A History 1993-2018 The Third Quarter Century - Dietitians NZ
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
New Zealand Dietetic Association (Inc) / Dietitians New Zealand (Inc)
A History The Third Quarter Century
1993-2018
New Zealand Dietetic Association (Inc) / Dietitians New Zealand (Inc)
A History The Third Quarter Century
1993-2018
Julian Jensen and Pip Duncan
ISBN: 978-0-473-44220-0
©
Dietitians New Zealand, Wellington, 2018
D I E T I T I A N S N Z H I S TO R Y 1
Foreword
When the New Zealand Dietetic Association (NZDA) turned 50 in 1993, President Gillian Tustin summed up the situation as
we launched into our second half century. Membership stood at 368; we had eight subcommittees where much of the work
of the NZDA was achieved; we set up task forces for specific projects; we had six branches and special interest groups were
becoming increasingly important – we had six in 1993. There were two dial-a-dietitian services – one in Auckland and one
in Christchurch; the Journal and News & Views continued to be important means of communication between and among
members. Awards were important, and the Award of Excellence was very new – there had been four awarded by 1993.
Neige Todhunter’s bequest of over $150,000 had been received in 1993 and gave the NZDA a wonderful opportunity to
assist members with postgraduate education. Gillian closed by saying “The New Zealand Dietetic Association is now in a very
sound position to pro-actively support the development of the profession.”
Twenty-five years later, as we embark on our 75th Jubilee year, we can compare Gillian’s summary with today’s.
Membership stood at 597 in 2017. We now have at least four people who have been members for over 60 years. There
are 12 Dietitians New Zealand representatives on external groups. We have seven branches, and 17 special interest groups.
We have had 25 Awards of Excellence, and 28 dietitians have benefitted from the Neige Todhunter Award for postgraduate
study. Our honorary life memberships stand at eight, and seven of these were elected since 1993.
Some of the standout happenings over this past 25 years include the move from Vote: Health to Vote: Education for the
training of dietitians; firstly the University of Otago Postgraduate Diploma in Dietetics, and in more recent years, the three
Masters programmes, offered by the University of Auckland, University of Otago and Massey University; the change of our
name from the New Zealand Dietetic Association to Dietitians New Zealand (Dietitians NZ) and new logos; the amalgamation
of our Journal with the Dietitians Association of Australia Journal of Nutrition & Dietetics, and then our withdrawal from that
partnership; the change from a regionally-based executive committee to a skills-based Council; and the establishment of a
national office to manage the operational aspects of Dietitians NZ. In terms of professional qualifications, the number of New
Zealand dietitians with PhDs has grown from four in 1993 to 24 today with a number more in progress.
Dietitians continue to excel in many specialities, both in New Zealand and internationally. One very significant advance has
been gaining the ability to prescribe special foods and other approved nutrition-related medications.
Growth in many areas over that last 25 years has been amazing. However dietitians can never become complacent. Dietitians
need to accept the challenges that will continue to confront them, and strive to make the dietetic profession the ‘go-to’
health profession for evidence-based food and nutrition advice.
Our stories appear in the following pages – let us be proud to be, or have been, dietitians!
Acknowledgements
Tēnā koutou katoa
In assembling this history, we have worked to ensure that we have provided a comprehensive picture of the work of
Dietitians NZ and dietitians over the last 25 years. We searched and requested far and wide and were delighted with the
responses, and thank the many dietitians from the regions, branches, special Interest groups and unique work settings for
their stories. Any omission is regretted. However, given our extensive search for content, we as editors cannot be responsible
for any such omission.
We would like to acknowledge the following for input into the book: Christine Cook, Kate Sladden and Madeleine Price
for their review of the draft manuscript, Jo Paynter for her generosity in providing design and layout services of the draft
manuscript, and Bruce Jensen for technical advice. We also acknowledge the use of Annual Reports from New Zealand
Dietetic Association, Dietitians New Zealand and the New Zealand Dietitians Board, and Dion Crooks’ 1993 history ‘New
Zealand Dietetic Association (Inc) and Dietetics in New Zealand – 50 years of Achievement and Challenges’.
Julian Jensen and Pip Duncan
August 2018
2 D I E T I T I A N S N Z H I S TO R Y
Contents
Dietitians NZ - the road to governance ........................................................................................................... 4
The Dietitians Board ................................................................................................................................................................. 6
Dietitians training programmes .................................................................................................................................. 7
Communications .............................................................................................................................................................................. 9
Branches ................................................................................................................................................................................................... 15
Regions ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 19
Primary health .................................................................................................................................................................................. 22
Clinical specialities and special interest groups ..................................................................................... 23
Dietitians in foodservice ...................................................................................................................................................... 31
Dietitians in private practice ........................................................................................................................................... 33
Sports nutrition ............................................................................................................................................................................... 35
Dietitians supporting healthy ageing .................................................................................................................... 36
State sector dietetics ............................................................................................................................................................... 37
Public health ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 42
Non-government organisations ................................................................................................................................... 44
Dietitians in the food industry ..................................................................................................................................... 47
International links .......................................................................................................................................................................... 50
Diversity in traditional roles ........................................................................................................................................... 52
Achievements in the New Zealand health sector....................................................................................... 53
Recent graduates ........................................................................................................................................................................... 54
Appendix ................................................................................................................................................................................................. 57
• Dietitians Award of Excellence .................................................................................................................... 57
• Honorary life members ....................................................................................................................................... 58
• Nestlé young achiever ........................................................................................................................................... 60
• Neige Todhunter and Bernice Kelly awards .............................................................................. 61
• Awards ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 62
• NZ honours .......................................................................................................................................................................... 63
• Constance Shearer Lecturers ......................................................................................................................... 64
• Books written by dietitians for consumer market .............................................................. 65
• NZ dietitians with PhDs ........................................................................................................................................ 66
• Overseas trained dietitians with PhDs .............................................................................................. 68
• Dietitians NZ/NZ Dietitians Association presidents ............................................................ 69
• Dietitians NZ/NZ Dietitians Association office bearers ................................................. 70
• Timeline ................................................................................................................................................................................... 71
• Dietitians in this 50-70 year history ................................................................................................... 78
D I E T I T I A N S N Z H I S TO R Y 3
Dietitians NZ –THE ROAD TO GOVERNANCE
2009. Our journey to governance The last and 41st president of NZDA/ despite all the advances, Kath believes
started when the treasurer’s role on the Dietitians New Zealand was Kath Fouhy that the fundamental role of a dietitian of
Executive Committee was restructured. and the first chairperson of the new changing and improving behaviour and
Administrative tasks relating to finances Council of Dietitians New Zealand was relationships around food to promote
would be carried out by a bookkeeping Claire Tahu. health and performance will remain the
company and the treasurer would be same. She states that “the challenge for
Kath Fouhy
involved in governance related to the Dietitians NZ will be to remain future-
President 2013-2015
finances. focused and relevant given the fast-
Kath began an changing environment to stay ahead of the
2009-2011. Annette Nistor, then eight-year journey
president, was instrumental in leading the game.”
on the Dietitians NZ
Executive to the adoption of a governance executive committee Claire Tahu
model. A strategic planning process was as the Wellington Chair 2015-present
led by Christchurch strategist, Sue Suckling, representative and a Claire considers it an absolute privilege
2010. The strategic plan was ratified. relatively new graduate to lead the first Council of Dietitians NZ.
The Executive Committee undertook dietitian in private Claire is a British trained dietitian and the
governance training and the Executive practice. At the end of first non-New Zealander to lead Dietitians
Committee manual was updated to her tenure as the 41st and last president NZ in its 75 years. She came to New
become a Governance Policy manual. of Dietitians NZ, she was working for Zealand in 2007 and has immersed herself
High Performance Sport New Zealand. in Dietitians NZ’s affairs. She has been
2011. The Executive Committee functioned president of the Auckland Branch and
as a governance board, with the chief She reflected after her time as president
and the challenges that may face the on the Executive. Her work as associate
executive officer as manager, focusing on director of Allied Health Nutrition and
the operational aspects of the Association. organisation in the future:
Dietetics in Counties Manukau District
2013–2014. A governance working group Dietitians NZ needed to address what Health Board and more recently director
was established under the chairmanship was important to members and how to of Allied Health, Scientific and Technical
of Paul Rigby, the Wellington Area deliver that service and member benefits. at Hutt Valley District Health Board has
Representative on the Executive. The Following a comprehensive strategic given her good insight into the health
intent was that a skills-based committee planning process in 2009, the executive environment in New Zealand. In her role
would better fulfil its leadership and committee recognised that dietitians as chairperson, she has been passionate
stewardship responsibilities and strengthen could belong to a variety of specialist about supporting Dietitians NZ in achieving
the organisation. In consultation with professional organisations and changes its vision and strategic objectives – aiming
members, the working group developed were required if Dietitians NZ was to to advance the profession as being New
a three-year plan for the transition from a thrive and make an impact on the health Zealand’s ‘Food and Nutrition Experts’. Her
regionally-based Executive Committee to a and wellbeing of New Zealanders. particular interest is to raise the profile of
skills-based Council, The policy governance model adopted Dietitians NZ by encouraging engagement
2015. The beginning of the transition to a in 2011 provided positive structures and with other key nutrition stakeholders
skills-based Council. processes to assist in achieving Dietitians and public awareness campaigns such
NZ’s strategic goals. as Dietitians Day, health expos and social
2017. At the AGM, a skills-based Council media.
of six members was elected, thus Despite the changes to the environment
completing the transition. and the many challenges Dietitians NZ has Annette Nistor
experienced since Kath was elected to Executive and Council Member
the executive committee, the organisation 2001-present
has continued to grow and support Annette has actively
Dietitians New Zealand its members. Kath has no doubt the contributed to the
Council 2017-2018 changes in technology, health and food executive committee/
Claire Tahu, Chairperson trends will continue into the future. The Council of NZDA and
Rhiannon Jones, Deputy way nutritional status and interventions Dietitians NZ for over
Chairperson and Te Kahui are measured may change with the use half of this 25-year
Manukura o Kai Ora appointee of biosensor technology. There will be period! As such,
advances in the understanding of human Annette is one of the
Annette Nistor
physiology, particularly the gut microbiome longest serving officers
Roslyn Norrie
and its impact on health and performance. in the organisation’s history. She was a
Claire Owen
The impact of climate change and the member of the executive committee from
Rochelle Hawkins, new graduate housing crisis may affect food availability, 2001-2009, and president from 2009-
representative sustainability and New Zealand agriculture 2012. In 2016, she was elected to the
and horticulture industries. However, Dietitians NZ Council, with her term due to
4 D I E T I T I A N S N Z H I S TO R Y
expire in 2019. Annette has been involved Te Kahui Manukura o Kai Hiki Pihema
in two of Dietitians NZ’s recent working Ora (Te Kahui) Te Whanau a Ruataupare,
groups, the governance working group, The Dietitians NZ Māori Dietitians Group, no Tokomaru Bay,
and the awards protocol committee. Te Kahui Manukura o Kai Ora, was formed Ngāti Porou
In addition to this, she has served on in 2010. The first convener of the group Hiki comments that
her local Northern South Island Branch was Hiki Pihema, and the first planning being a dietitian is
committee including being president twice. meeting in March 2011 welcomed 12 Māori important to her
Annette is passionate about Dietitians NZ. dietitians. Current active membership of because “I can be
During her term as president, the decision the group is seven, although there is a Māori and practise
was made to move from a regionally- growing number of members identifying all those tikanga
based executive committee to a skills- as Māori . values that essentially
based Council. The aim of Te Kahui is to support Māori make me who I am.
dietitians and this has been achieved with Over the years with
Her leadership in this initiative was driven
bi-monthly teleconferences, mentoring growing confidence and maturity I carry
by her previous significant governance
experience roles that began with being and supporting Māori dietetic students, my Māoriness and being a dietitian with
the regional branch chair of Plunket, then providing support with extra professional pride, knowing that my colleagues and the
of the Kindergarten Association Board, development activities and undertakings profession support and encourage me.”
then chair of the Community Health Group, that are asked of members outside their She considers the highlights of her career
and then of Henley Primary School Board usual professional roles. The group is keen have been the variety of roles that she
of Trustees and finally seven years as chair to increase its membership of dietitians has been fortunate to experience and
of the Waimea College Board of Trustees. identifying as Māori. The more members, that contributed to her being awarded
The success of the transition from the the more Te Kahui can do and the more the Dietitians NZ Award of Excellence in
regionally-based executive committee to Māori dietitians are advanced and valued 1994. Her work has spanned the local
a skills-based Council is largely due to as a part of Dietitians NZ. level to tertiary education and government
Annette’s guidance into the process.. The executive committee for the policy. Working for Tairawhiti DHB in the
A new name 2010/2011 year invited the Māori dietitians East Coast, a beautiful and remote area
to appoint a representative with observer of NZ, she has contributed to substantial
Dietitians New Zealand (Inc) was
status to attend its meetings. Hiki, as health gains for the local people. Her
proposed, voted on and accepted at
convener filled this role. endeavours include co-ordinating a
the 2009 AGM. The logo was amended
training programme for marae cooks,
to reflect this change. The Executive With the change to the governance model,
training health workers from Plunket,
committee sanctioned a te reo byline priority was given to the make-up of the
Tūranga Health, Tūhono Whānau and Te
to be added to the logo ‘Ngā Tohunga skills-based Council. In light of Dietitians
Runanga o Ngāti Porou as well as liaising
Mātai Kai’ (broadly meaning ‘experts in NZ’s commitment to our Tiriti o Waitangi
with the Māori Women’s Welfare League
food’). However, this name caused offence principles of participation, protection and
to Māoridom as it was not an accurate to build capacity and capability.
partnership, Te Kahui Manukura o Kai Ora
reflection of the word ‘Tohunga’ in such a is entitled to appoint one councillor to the Hiki has been a director on the Board of
Pākehā dominated profession. Council. The councillor appointed by Te Food Standards Australia New Zealand
In 2013, Dietitians NZ formally adopted Kahui is not required to be a member of and worked with student dietitians as
a new Māori name Ngā Pukenga Kai Dietitians NZ. Chelsea Marsh was the first a professional placement fellow for
Ora o Aotearoa. The intention was to person to fill this role in 2015, followed by Otago University in the Interprofessional
more actively acknowledge the Principles Rhiannon Jones in 2016. Education Programme. She was
of Tiriti o Waitangi namely partnership, Current members include Britanni Beavis appointed to the Dietitians Board in 2015
protection and participation. The name (Ngāti Raukawa), Nadia Harvey, Rhiannon and elected to the Hauora Tairawhiti DHB
change also recognised the dual meaning Jones (Ngāti Kahungunu), Chelsea Marsh, Board in October 2016.
of kai ora as healthy food and food for Hiki Pihema (Ngāti Porou), Tracy Perry Hiki Pihema has been a true trail blazer
health. Christine Stewart, Dietitians NZ (Ngāti Porou, Waikato, Ngāti Waiere), and during her 42 year career as a dietitian
president at the time, commented that ‘we Sian Warriner. and has displayed great mana in all she
embrace the new expression of our being: has done. Hiki works with grace and
our faith in each other, our hope for the dignity and is an inspiration to dietitians,
future and our support for each other and both Māori and Pākehā.
the people of Aotearoa’.
The te reo byline has appeared as a
proud and integral part of the logo of
Dietitians New Zealand ever since.
D I E T I T I A N S N Z H I S TO R Y 5
the Dietitians Board
The Dietitians Board - Te Board runs prescriber training courses and The Dietitians Board Chair
Mana Tohunga Mātai Kai regular updates. Since 2011, dietitians with Since 1981, a dietitian has chaired the
The Dietitians Board, formed in 1951, is the a prescribing endorsement on their annual Dietitians Board. The first dietitian
registration body for dietitians practising practising certificate are able to prescribe chair was Pamela Williams. At this time,
in New Zealand. It was funded as part special foods and approved nutrition- membership of dietitians on the Board
of the Department of Health until 1990. related medicines. increased from two to five. (There
The then Labour Government determined Code of Ethics were six other members nominated
that all occupational health boards should Dietitians have operated under a code by the Department of Health). As at
fund their activities from fees. Full cost of ethics since 1953. In the last 25 years, 2018, the Dietitians Board is made up
recovery was phased in over two years, the code of ethics was reviewed in 1994, of six dietitians and two lay members.
and dietitians saw their annual practising Since 1993, previous chairs have been:
and repealed in 2007. The Association
certificate (APC) fees increase four-fold (to Barbara Ryan, Eruera Maxted, Jane
had adopted the two sets of ethics – the
$224) in the 1993-94 year. At the same Cartwright, Janelle Wallace, Lyn Gillanders,
Dietitians Board 2003 ‘Code of Ethics
time the requirement for the registrar to Mary McNab, Sandy Clemett and Vicky
for Dietitians’ and the Royal Society
be a registered dietitian was rescinded Campbell. The chair in 2018 is Laila
of NZ ‘Code of Professional Standards
and it was incumbent on the Board to Cooper.
and Ethics’, also 2003. The most recent
appoint a registrar and a deputy registrar. revision of the code of ethics and conduct
The Board now sets its fees to cover for dietitians was developed in 2014. With
activity, premises and staff and, when the expansion of dietetic practice into the
relevant, disciplinary levies. community, private practice and industry,
In 1999, an amendment to the Dietitians the new code included the clause:
Act 1950 gave the Board the power as a ‘Dietitians advertise products, brands and
body corporate, with the ability to choose services only in a manner that protects
how to administer itself, rather than being and supports the health and wellbeing of
administered by the Ministry of Health. In the New Zealand public, and is supportive
2000, the Board reduced its size from 11 of the Ministry of Health food and nutrition
to seven members. guidelines, whilst also upholding the Dietitians Scope of Practice
integrity of the profession.’ Dietitians are registered health
The introduction of the Health Practitioners
practitioners who evaluate scientific
Competence Assurance (HPCA) Act in Continuing Competence
evidence about food and nutrition and
2003 saw the repeal of the Dietitians The Dietitians Board is highly committed translate it into practical strategies,
Act 1950. The Dietitians Board became a to the continuing competence programme, dietitians work in partnership with
responsible authority with responsibility to as this is consistent with the Board’s individuals, whanau, communities and
ensure registered practitioners were fully legislative responsibility to the public to populations, in states of health and
competent and safe to practise. ensure the safety of dietetic practice in disease, to support optimal health and
Training of Dietitians New Zealand. With the introduction of the well-being.
As previously stated, in 2012 the Board Health Practitioners Competence Assurance
Dietitians use their dietetic knowledge,
approved University of Otago and Massey Act, the Board, was required to operate
skills and judgement in a variety of
University Masters Programmes, Master of a continuing competence programme
contexts that include promoting and
Dietetics and Master of Science (Nutrition (developed with NZDA) to maintain,
protecting public health, directing and
and Dietetics) and the University of examine or improve the competence
delivering medical nutrition therapy
Auckland Master in Health Sciences in of dietitians to practise their profession.
services, and managing food and health
Nutrition and Dietetics in 2013. Evidence of continuing competence is
systems. They may perform a variety of
required to attain an annual practising functions, including policy development,
Overseas trained dietitians certificate. An auditing programme was set leadership, management, research,
The Board is also responsible for up and 10% of practising dietitians were education, and communication roles.
assessing and examining overseas randomly selected. The first audit took
applicants for registration in New Zealand. place in October 2004. Dietitians with a prescribing endorsement
are able to prescribe Special Foods and
Dietitian prescribers MyCCP approved nutrition-related medicines.
The ability for dietitians to prescribe In the 2010/2011 year, the on-line
special foods and medicines accessed Dietitians are accountable for ensuring
continuing competence tool programme
through PHARMAC followed discussion that their practice is consistent with
(MyCCP) was introduced and this continues
with representatives from the Ministry the Dietitians Board’s competency
to assist dietitians in developing their
of Health, PHARMAC, the Board, and requirements, Code of Ethics and Conduct,
professional development plans and
the dietetic profession. Prescribing rights and relevant legislation.
maintaining their competence for practice
were obtained in 2010, and the Dietitians in the dietetic workplace. August 2017
6 D I E T I T I A N S N Z H I S TO R Y
Dietitians training programmes
Julia Sekula on the bike with student dietitians on Brain Day, Auckland, 2017
Since 1993, there have been major The PGDipDiet programme was led Dietitians Board requirements for
changes in the delivery of dietetic by the Director, Penny Field and about registration equipping them for diverse
training programmes in New Zealand. A 34 students qualified each year. The roles in healthcare within and outside the
Government initiative to rationalise the last students of the University of Otago traditional hospital environment and in
training of health professionals and move PGDipDiet graduated in May 2012. research.
training programmes from Vote: Health to
Vote: Education impacted on the training
Two-year Masters programmes in Julia Sekula
Dietetics were introduced in 2012. These Julia graduated as a dietitian in 2002
of many health professional groups at that are the University of Otago Master of
time. and began working at Waikato Hospital
Dietetics with programme directors Dr
with Janelle Wallace, whom she describes
1993 saw the introduction of the University Julie Weaver, and in 2018, Sue MacDonell,
as a key dietetic influence in her early
of Otago Postgraduate Diploma in Dietetics PhD Candidate, and Massey University
career. She moved to London in 2004 and
(PGDipDiet). This 15-month course saw Master of Science (Nutrition and Dietetics)
worked at The Royal Free Hospital for
student dietitians based in one of five with programme director, Dr Rozanne
two years before coming back to work at
training centres (Auckland, Waikato, Kruger.
Auckland City Hospital in 2006 as a senior
Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin) for
This was followed in 2013 by the renal dietitian and later in oncology in
the practical component of their training.
University of Auckland Master of Health a part clinical-part project role. In 2007
The lecture programme was delivered
Science in Nutrition and Dietetics with with encouragement from Kerry McIlroy
to all centres via the University’s distance
programme director, Dr Clare Wall. (Auckland District Health Board) and Clare
teaching network. The University was
charged with meeting the requirements of Twice as many students are trained Wall, University of Auckland, Julia started
the Dietitians Board within the parameters nationwide than in the PGDipDiet days. her MHSc. She was the first Auckland
of appropriate academic standards. Dietetic graduates meet the New Zealand District Health Board dietitian to complete
D I E T I T I A N S N Z H I S TO R Y 7
her MHSc while working full time. Professional supervision (Auckland) and Deborah Chettleburgh
In 2014, Julia joined the University of Vicki Paulin took a leading role in (Hawke’s Bay). Helen Little (Christchurch)
Auckland as the clinical director and leader introducing professional supervision for has held this role since 2017.
of teaching and learning practices in the dietitians and in 2003 she introduced it Agenda topics for the 2017 meeting
nutrition and dietetic clinic environment. to the Counties Manukau District Health included; strategic planning, national menu
She ran the clinic for final year students, Board clinical dietitian team. At this time, standards, malnutrition policy for all District
primarily focusing on the development Vicki analysed the understanding and Health Boards, standards of care, fluid and
of their counselling and education skills experience of professional supervision food nutrition policy, allied health minimum
and core competencies of communication, in a sample of dietitians, and this was data set, international dysphagia diet
professionalism and cultural competence. published in 2010. Dietitians NZ published standardisation, workload management tool,
The work done at the university on inter- their first supervision guidelines in 2009; career progression, dietetic assistants, liaison
professional practice has helped develop these were endorsed by the Dietitians with PHARMAC regarding medical devices
their dietetic teaching programme. Julia Board the following year. and special foods, and liaison with Dietitians
has presented on inter-professional In 2017, Dietitians NZ launched new Board and dietetic training schools.
practice at the Dietitians Association of guidelines for professional supervision. The group acknowledges and is grateful
Australia Conference and this work has A baseline Dietitians NZ online survey to Nutricia for providing ongoing
subsequently been published. showed that in 2016, 75% of dietitians sponsorship for members to attend these
were receiving either professional or highly valued meetings.
Julia was a recipient of the University
clinical supervision. The remaining 25%
of Auckland Vice-Chancellor’s Strategic Jo Stewart
was either having no supervision or
Development Fund in 2015. For a
receiving mentoring, practice and/or Jo has enjoyed diverse roles as a dietitian
dietitian within the academic setting to and in 1993 managed the clinical dietitians
prescribing supervision.
be awarded this prestigious funding is an at Hutt Valley Health. Her own specialty
acknowledgment of how well dietetics is The guidelines were prepared by a
areas were burns and plastics, paediatrics
regarded within the university. working group comprising Frances
and diabetes across all age groups. She
Arenhold, Julia Sekula, Kristin Ryan, Marion
Julia has been a member of the Dietitians was actively involved in the Diabetes
van Oeveren and Rena Fausett. They
NZ Professional Supervision working group Special Interest Group (SIG) of Dietitians
provide an overview of the process and
and was a working party member of NZ and chaired this group for several
the steps of professional supervision
Practice-based Evidence in Nutrition (PEN) years. Jo was also an executive committee
to assist both those who are new to
for two years. She has been an Auckland member of New Zealand Society for the
supervision and those who are reviewing
Branch president, vice president and a or updating their current professional Study of Diabetes (NZSSD) and Dietitians
member of the professional development supervision. Dietitians are encouraged NZ Wellington Branch, becoming president
committee and a committee member of to apply the professional supervision of the latter in 1998. Jo has been
the Waikato Branch. guidelines to their own professional involved in the organisation of several
contexts and requirements. dietetic conferences/national meetings
She has been the international
over the last 25 years, including the 2017
representative on the American Academy District Health Boards national meeting, and has been a regular
of Nutrition and Dietetics Health dietitians leadership group presenter.
Information Infrastructure committee since
The District Health Boards leadership She was the inaugural dietetic professional
2016, and was a member of the British
group is vital to all dietitians who have a adviser (later professional leader) in
Dietetic Association Ethnic Diet Sheets
leadership role in District Health Boards,
committee for two years. Capital and Coast District Health Board,
including line managers, section heads,
and continues in this role. She works
Silke Morrison professional leaders and those in sole
with five dietitian team leaders across
Dunedin. charge positions. In 2003, Jo Stewart from
the District Health Board and has a
Professional Capital and Coast District Health Board,
clinical caseload in cardio-thoracic and
Practice Fellow, initiated national leadership meetings for
general surgery at Wellington Hospital.
University of District Health Board dietitians and chaired
This is consistent with her belief that
Otago, and the group for 10 years. The purpose of
“it is important to maintain a clinical
current President, the group is to provide a national forum,
role to keep things real with a clear
Dietitians training, and opportunities for networking,
understanding of issues in clinical practice.”
NZ Southern collaboration and support among dietitian
Jo is involved in policy development and
Branch; previous leaders from the District Health Boards.
review and the provision of advice around
researcher and private practice dietitian. Subsequent chairs have been Claire Tahu contracts. An achievement has been the
8 D I E T I T I A N S N Z H I S TO R YCommunications
opportunity to advise on the establishment One of the key achievements of the 2003-2004. Discussions and debate took
of a dietitian position in the Mental Health, 3rd quarter century was upgrading the place on a merger of the Journal of the
Addiction and Intellectual Disability Service. image of the organisation. The name New NZDA with Nutrition & Dietetics, the Journal
Jo was on the special purpose foods Zealand Dietetic Association (NZDA) had of the Dietitians Association of Australia
sub-committee of PHARMAC for 15 served us well for 50 years, but many of (DAA).
years and appreciated being able to be the public were confused about what a 2004. The NZDA executive committee
involved in decision making around the dietetic association did. The logo had not decided to enter a partnership with DAA
listing of products. She now comments changed over the years and was in need and to adopt Nutrition & Dietetics as the
on the enormous difference that being of refreshing. official journal of the NZDA. There were
a prescribing dietitian has made to In 1995 members took part in surveys advantages and disadvantages seen with
her practice. We can provide timely conducted by the NZDA and the this arrangement; advantages included a
prescriptions, targeted to the right patient, University of Otago, and a public wider readership for New Zealand authors,
in the right amounts. It encourages survey was conducted by an external the possibility of Medline indexing, and a
conversations between junior medical marketing company. The results were greater number and diversity of articles.
staff and dietitians, and better prescribing used to develop, consult and complete Disadvantages included a loss of New
practice overall.” a marketing plan by a committee under Zealand content and/or editorial control.
She is currently involved in the patient the chairmanship of Julie Lowe. The plan 2005. The last issue of JNZDietAssoc
safety indicator group based around the called for an improvement of the image volume 59, number 2, was published. From
Health Quality and Safety Commission’s and work began on a new logo and name December, the journal was incorporated
work on falls risk and pressure injuries for the NZDA. into Nutrition & Dietetics, by-lined as
and has assisted in keeping a DHB focus The marketing plan was ratified in 1997 ‘The Journal of the Dietitians Association
on the risk that malnutrition poses. She and Vicki Clarke appointed as national of Australia including the Journal of the
represents allied health on the ‘Choose coordinator to begin its implementation. New Zealand Dietetic Association’. The
Wisely’ group which meets fortnightly A new logo was adopted specifically for NZDA logo appeared on the cover of
to discuss key projects. A recent major marketing the profession to the general the Journal along with those of Dietitians
project has been looking at total public. The existing logo was retained for Association of Australia (DAA) and
parenteral nutrition (TPN) usage across marketing the NZDA’s role in professional Blackwell (the publishing company). The
the DHB and establishing a new process matters. partnership with DAA included NZDA/
to ensure appropriate referral and usage. The NZDA officially launched the new logo Dietitians NZ membership on the journal
For the last three years Jo has been in 2000. The final design retained the management committee and participation
a member of the University of Otago wheat and barley sheaf and the serpents on the editorial board. Later, appropriately
Dietetic Programme external advisory of Aescapulus because that was seen as qualified New Zealand dietitians were
committee that meets annually and has a integral to being a dietitian. This was appointed as associate editors.
varied professional membership to ensure followed by guidelines for logo use being 2007-2011. Dietitians NZ provided annual
that training is meeting the ongoing needs released and members were offered an Dietitians NZ conference proceedings as
of the profession. extra service of a business card with the supplements to Nutrition & Dietetics.
new NZDA logo. 2014. The Dietitians NZ executive
The Journal of the committee resolved not to renew the
New Zealand Dietetic contract due to financial constraints, and
Association (JNZDietAssoc) the partnership between Dietitians NZ and
1993. The journal continued to be a DAA in Nutrition & Dietetics ceased. Four
peer-reviewed journal, where New New Zealand dietitians, Carol Wham, Jane
Zealand dietitians could publish their Elmslie, Clare Wall and Andrea Braakhuis,
research, practice initiatives or opinion remain as associate editors in their own
pieces. The A4 format, introduced in right.
1991 reflected the new NZDA corporate The Journal existed for 68 years including
image. By this time, about 30% of the its incorporation with Nutrition & Dietetics.
cost of producing the journal was met by For the past five years, New Zealand
advertising revenue. dietitians have not had their own scientific
1996-2006. In association with the journal and have sought other peer-
journal, the NZDA published official annual reviewed publications to publish their
conference proceedings. research.
D I E T I T I A N S N Z H I S TO R Y 9Journal Editors (1993-2005) In 2018, News & Views became a the website to expand the resources and
1992-1995: Volume 46-49: quarterly publication. Issue 234 will be information available to the general public.
Pip Duncan published in December and News & 2011. The website had a complete re-
Views will achieve 56 years of unbroken design with a new hosting arrangement.
1996-1997: Volume 50-51 (1): publication.
Gendy Brown The website now provided a platform for
The Website – practice-based evidence in nutrition [PEN),
1997-1999: Volume 51 (2) -53: https://dietitians.org.nz the international dietetics and nutrition
Catherine Wheeler terminology [IDNT), and the Journal.
1998. Vicki Clarke, NZDA national
2000: Volume 54 (1): coordinator, investigated internet By this time, Nutrition & Dietetics was
Catherine Wheeler and facilities and opportunities. By 1999, provided as an online publication only to
Carolyn Watts the development of a website was well Dietitians NZ members. New material and
underway. resources continued to be added to the
2000-2001: Volume 54 (2) -55:
website over this time.
Carolyn Watts and 1999-2000. Sarah Ley assisted with
Sara Knowles research, development and writing for 2016-2017. The website was under
the website, and plans from various web reconstruction. The brief of the redesign
2002: Volume 56:
designers were reviewed. Simone Bell, a was to ensure the best possible website
Carolyn Watts and
student with a public relations company resource for members and a strong public
Sandra Elias
created the website as her student platform to profile and promote Dietitians
2003-2005: Volume 57-59: practicum and followed up any difficulties NZ and the dietetic profession. The
Tim Green and Sandra Elias in the early stages of live operation. website went live in 2017.
News & Views 2000. Website launched at a function in Technology
In the last 25 years, News & Views has Wellington. Today in 2018, dietitians might wonder
continued to be published bi-monthly, how their predecessors existed before
2001. Sarah Ley appointed as the NZDA’s
updating the membership on Dietitians the advent of so many of the electronic
website editor, overseeing the website
NZ happenings, special interest group tools that assist current practice; tools
and assisting members with queries and
activities, conference reports, book such as blood glucose monitors, automatic
passwords and loading documents.
reviews, and other items of topical and messaging systems to remind patients of
general interest. In the last two years, 2002-2003. A website editorial group appointments, rather than a direct phone
leading up to the 75th Jubilee, it has was established with a new editor, Nicky call; use of tablets at the bedside/in clinics
featured an historical series. Moore, and continued to administer the and for menu selections in hospitals,
website, planning for new additions. pedometers, electronic scales and
Editors over this period have been Pip
Duncan until 1996, Sara Knowles (1997- 2004. An online membership directory bioelectrical impedance to calculate body
2005), Kate Sladden (2006 & 2007), included in the members section of the fat percentages, not to mention mobile
Eirean Gamble and Maria Ross (2008 & website. Updates on the website were phones with the plethora of functions they
2009), Maria Ross (2010), Maria Ross and carried out by Carole Gibb, executive allow!
Meg Thorsen (2011), Meg Thorsen (2012- officer and later Jan Milne, executive At the beginning of this quarter of the
2014), Georgia Wakefield (2015 & 2016) director. Website traffic doubled in the organisation’s history, we were on the
and Emma Jones (2017). 2004-2005 year. The addition of the cusp of an explosion of new technology. In
evidence-based guidelines project to the the early 1990s the electric typewriter and
In 2016, an editorial committee was
members’ pages and the subsequent the computer with printers that printed
formed to assist the national office
access by members confirmed the worth dot matrix on a continuous feed of paper
manager/editor with the publication of
of continuing to hold a database of were common. Students studying for the
News & Views. The first committee
research in the members’ section of the new University of Otago Postgraduate
operated under editor Emma Jones,
website. Diploma in Dietetics (PGDipDiet) had to
national office manager, with Louise
Beckingsale, dietetic communications 2007-2008. The website had a major share the use of one computer in each
adviser, Julian Jensen, Peter Heald and upgrade. This included the ability for of five training centres. Facsimiles (faxes)
Tom Chung. At this time, News & Views members to renew subscriptions and were used for quick communication
became an electronic magazine. In 2017, register for conference online, and a link among the nationwide tutor team and the
Louise took on the role of convener of the for video footage. The news blog was director in Dunedin.
editorial committee, and Caroline Worth, added and used to state NZDA views Fast forward to the 20-teens and
Garalynne Stiles, and Nicola Gillies joined on food and nutrition and to post media online technology. Dietitians record their
the team. releases. New fact sheets were added to continuing competence programme
10 D I E T I T I A N S N Z H I S TO R Y(CCP) activities in an online database and The electronic age has made the reputation as highly qualified, credible
receive their Dietitians NZ communications sharing of resources and ideas easier, food and nutrition experts who are able
electronically. Online tools make diet using techniques such as dropbox and to ‘rise above the noise’ of unqualified
calculations and nutritional assessments videoconferencing. Today some dietitians practitioners.
easier, more accurate and more efficient are using skype as a means of counselling
The Media Special Interest
than using food tables. The professional clients, making it easier and more
Group
tools now available electronically include accessible for both parties.
PEN (Practice-based Evidence in In the last 25 years, dietitians have had
In 2013, following the a media presence. This was at its zenith
Nutrition®) and the nutrition care process
devastating Christchurch when Amanda Wynne was national
terminology (NCPT).
earthquakes, private executive officer from 2001-2003.
From a client’s point of view, apps for practitioner Lea Stening Amanda had previously worked for the
mobile phones add another dimension to decided to close her British Nutrition Foundation (BNF) where
practice resources, from helping clients physical clinics and a dietitian was rostered to speak to the
keep track of, for example, their activity work totally online. media on a daily basis. Amanda had
level, their food intake and how to shop. This involved learning nutritional science at her fingertips and
Dietitians NZ has an Apps group who more about social was able to speak knowledgably and at
review applications. media, online advertising, screen sharing. an accessible level. Amanda was followed
Many members now also embrace The move has allowed Lea to extend her by Carole Gibb as executive officer and
social media channels such as Twitter, reach to clients in rural New Zealand and Jan Milne as executive director who were
Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn overseas, and sits well with busy people also dietitians. They also spoke pertinently
and ResearchGate, utilising tools such as who are computer savvy but time poor. and promptly on topical issues, assisted by
blogs, e-bulletins and #tags. Dietitians Children, who are always accompanied dietitians with specific expertise. However,
NZ administer the public ‘Dietitians NZ’ by a parent, like being able to talk to as the nutrition environment became
profiles on both Twitter (@DietitiansNZ) Lea from familiar surroundings and not increasingly flooded with mixed messages,
and Instagram (@dietitiansnz). Dietitians having to endure sitting in waiting rooms the NZDA/Dietitians NZ voice became less
can join the closed Dietitians NZ Facebook or traffic to get to an appointment. Using forceful and struggled to be heard.
forum. skype has enabled Lea to extend her
educational services, offering powerpoint To address this, the Media Special Interest
From the Bay of Plenty, Fiona Boyle presentations on healthy eating to school Group (SIG) was established in March
says “One of our biggest challenges is children in Erbil, Northern Iraq, and 2015 and convened by Angela Berrill. The
the influence of social media and the Khartoum, Sudan. Media SIG established a working group to
internet on our profession. The ability to develop the Dietitians NZ media strategy. It
Google anything and everything makes In 2016, technology
was considered that much more could be
it imperative that we keep up to date came to the 11th
achieved with a collaborative and coordinated
with the latest nutrition science as our edition of the Clinical
approach to improve the visibility of dietitians
clients have garnered nutrition knowledge, Handbook, and it is
and Dietitians NZ.
thoughts and convictions from many now available as an
sources and are always willing to share e-book. This is a credit The objectives of the Media SIG have
their thoughts and opinions. While social to editor Anna Sloan been to actively respond in a timely,
media can influence our clients, it has who worked tirelessly efficient and accurate manner to
also influenced our profession and how to ensure it worked, media queries and issues, to profile
we communicate with each other. I find and was as useful as the expertise, initiatives, activities and
social media useful in keeping up to date an e-book as was the hard copy of the 10 achievements of members, and to combat
with what other dietitians are doing and previous editions. misinformation. This included making
saying. Being able to ask a question and complaints when media organisations
The ‘electronic age’ is here and the huge
get rapid responses, often coupled with present erroneous information. Dietitians
amount of food and nutrition information
robust discussion, is a big positive for our NZ media links have been actively
now available online brings challenges as
profession.” encouraged to build rapport with local
well as opportunities for dietitians. It is
media personnel, so to become the ‘go-
Digital information sharing has important for dietitians today to have the
skills to evaluate the information accessed to’ person when a nutrition-related story
revolutionised the ways in which teaching
by clients to be able to help them breaks.
can be delivered. The ability to keep
in touch instantly has enabled access to determine what is reliable information, and The Media SIG has also implemented
continuing education opportunities, such as what may be suspect. It is also important a communication engagement plan with
online webinars and podcasts. that dietitians continue to grow their online media and health professional publications,
D I E T I T I A N S N Z H I S TO R Y 11Waitemata, Dietitian’s day 2017
including New Zealand Doctor. A monthly ‘blog’ section for dietitians, and a ‘meet celebrated its own day. The primary goal
newsletter is circulated to media links with our people’ section to profile dietitians of Dietitians Day in New Zealand was to
tips to help increase their competence and the work they do around New raise awareness of registered dietitians as
and motivation in dealing with the media. Zealand. the key nutrition experts who translate the
An @DietitiansNZ account on Instagram, science of nutrition into practical use for
Dietitians Day
launched at the 2016 national meeting, the benefit of the public.
has gained momentum, and a closed International Dietitians Day was first
celebrated in 2008 to honour and to In 2017, Dietitians NZ celebrated with the
Facebook forum has provided a platform Dietitians Association of Australia, under
for discussion by an increasing number of raise the profile of all dietitians, and
to encourage and attract others to the the theme ‘#Proud to be a Dietitian’.
members. This year, 2018, Dietitians NZ aligned
profession to help shape the future of
Lea Stening, convener since 2017, has been eating and healthy living. with Dietitians of Canada to ‘Unlock the
the media link for Canterbury since the potential of food.’ Media SIG convener
1980s. She and colleague Janice Bremer Dietitians NZ first joined their international Lea Stening, who has been a driver of
wrote regular columns for the Press for colleagues in celebrating this special day in the 2018 Dietitians Day in New Zealand
many years, and Lea had a regular slot on 2013, highlighting the theme ‘Eat right, your says “Dietitians are aware that food is not
Radio ZB and Canterbury TV. As a media way, every day’. Since then, dietitians here just a bunch of nutrients. Food is about
link, she formed useful links with local have made an annual feature of the day to enjoyment of life, traditions, culture, love,
media and on many occasions responded raise their profile in the workplace and in sharing and coming together, having
to requests for comment on the nutrition the community. In 2014, the international fun, celebrating, comforting, mental and
stories of the day. theme was ‘Enjoy the taste of eating right’. spiritual wellness. On many levels dietitians
Looking to the future, the Media SIG is In 2016, when the International Congress can help people to unlock the power of
working with national office to open up of Dietetic Associations decided not to food to improve health and enrich their
the Dietitians NZ website to include a observe an international day, Dietitians NZ lives.”
12 D I E T I T I A N S N Z H I S TO R YWaitemata District Health she worked at the Board on the incidence of malnutrition in
Board Dietitians and London 2012 Olympics the Board’s 65 years and over population.
Dietitians Day was a highpoint. As The results of this study will provide New
Waitemata dietitians have a great team one of a handful of Zealand based evidence on the incidence
spirit, typical of so many regional dietetic dietitians there, her of malnutrition in our elderly. Dietitians are
teams. As part of the 2017 Dietitians Day role was to provide trained to diagnose and treat malnutrition.
food knowledge and
observation, where the theme was ‘#Proud Dietetic Communications
to be a Dietitian’, they shared some of their expertise in allergen
Adviser
reasons for choosing a career in dietetics, communication.
The decision to
some highlights of their dietetic experiences The highlight for Andrea Herron, paediatric employ people with
and some thoughts for future possibilities in dietitian, was working as a dietitian abroad governance and
Dietitians NZ’s 75th Jubilee year. for 13 years, including three years in the operational experience
For Elize Van United Arab Emirates. and skills to manage
Drimmelen; bariatric Paediatric dietetics Dietitians NZ resulted
dietitian, the choice of clinical leader, Elizabeth in a lack of professional
career came via an Maritz’s huge career dietetic presence
interest in nutritional highlight is the family in national office. In
genomics stemming centred tube feeding 2017, a part-time dietetic communications
from personal health to weaning project she adviser (DCA) position was established
issues. This led her has been involved with. to provide dietetic advice to the office
from biochemical This innovative co-design staff on the development of materials for
engineering to finishing a science degree between families and Dietitians NZ publications including the
majoring in nutrition. After summer the multidisciplinary team (MDT) will see regular e-newsletter to members, News &
studentships at universities and research the development of a collaborative MDT Views and the website. The DCA was also
institutes, Elize realised she wanted a job approach across services and divisions responsible for working in collaboration
where she was interacting with people, so in the tube feeding to weaning journey with Special Interest Group conveners
she decided to do her MDiet. that will empower families in Waitemata in the preparation of public submissions,
District Health Board on this complex and Dietitians NZ position and media
Maria Casale, outpatient dietitian, chose
journey. statements as required. Louise Beckingsale
dietetics as a career after working too
established and held the position between
long in an industry she just didn’t enjoy, Laura Petitt, community dietitian, home April 2017 – February 2018 and worked
and realising that life is too short to do health and older adults, and paediatrics, remotely from Christchurch.
that! She has a passion for food and would like to see the profession of
nutrition, and wanted to be able to really dietetics become more involved with Dietitians NZ
make a difference to people’s lives, and primary care and preventive medicine. If representation on external
so training as a dietitian was an obvious patients’ nutritional status improves, they agencies
choice, and she couldn’t be happier in her will have a reduced rate of long stay For many years, Dietitians NZ has been
job. hospital admissions represented by members on various
A career highlight for Fiona Baggett, external organisations. This is a two way
When asked to look
diabetes dietitian, was working in process where dietitians contribute their
ahead to the future,
diabetes and being involved in the pilot expertise and in turn alert Dietitians NZ
Teresa Stanbrook,
contract for Te Hononga Oranga (Māori to opportunities for further engagement
professional and clinical
diabetes service) with its specific focus on with external agencies such as supporting
leader Dietetics, sees the
improving Māori health engagement and a submission, picking up on topical
possibility of dietitians
outcomes in diabetes. She believes she issues or other activities that encourage
holding more roles in
has been given a great opportunity to not collaboration between the Dietitians NZ
foodservice management
only work in the area of Māori health but membership and the external agency.
across New Zealand Teresa at her
also raise the profile of dietitians as being graduation
where their advanced
an important part of whanau ora model of
clinical knowledge of
care in diabetes.
nutrition and disease can be employed.
For Roslyn Norrie, foodservice contract Teresa has also been involved in the joint
dietitian, the chance to see superhuman study currently underway with Massey
sports stars at close quarters when University and Waitemata District Health
D I E T I T I A N S N Z H I S TO R Y 13You can also read
