NZAOT Annual Report 2011 - 2012 1

85 The Terrace, Wellington 6011. PO Box 10493, The Terrace, Wellington 6143, New Zealand Phone: +64-4-473 6510, Fax: +64-4-473 6513, Email: nzaot@nzaot.com Website: www.nzaot.com

The New Zealand Association of Occupational Therapists

Annual Report1 April 2011 – 31 March 2012

Mission: To promote excellence in knowledge, standards, support and representation

Vision: The New Zealand Association of Occupational Therapists will represent the interests of all occupational therapists in Aotearoa/New Zealand

Values: Occupational justice, professionalism, integrity, collaboration and transparency

President’s messageCelebrations characterise the last year. The ultimate was our successful bid in Thailand to host the Asia-Pacific Occupational Therapy Congress (APOTC) in Rotorua in 2015. This event is a wonderful opportunity for New Zealand to showcase the best of our practitioners, researchers and academic practices. It is an opportunity for the association to be the flame that ignites the profession - it will be the professional development event of a lifetime. Be part of it!

The clinical workshops Nga Kete o te Matauranga - Baskets of Knowledge held in November at Waitangi, Bay of Islands, was an outstanding success. Hosting a workshop in the birthplace of our bicultural nation demonstrated NZAOT’s commitment towards Mäori as our clients and as our peer practitioners. Wonderful opportunities for learning were provided both by the presenters at the workshop and the Waitangi Trust.

Updating the association’s constitution has ensured we are current and use processes relevant to the successful completion of our association vision. In addition, changes in technology, communication mediums and developments in good governance have been achievements we are proud of.

The main challenge for the profession continues to be contextual changes brought about by ongoing tight fiscal policy influencing new funding models, limiting increases in health and disability spending, and in turn impacting opportunities around employment, fieldwork placements for students, and opportunities for professional and career development.

As we move forward we will continue to make our voices heard, and increase our profession’s visibility. We will achieve this through working together - staff, the council, and you, who take your professional responsibility seriously and give time, effort and energy to strengthening the association with your membership and therefore the profession of occupational therapy.

Professional responsibility is demonstrated in different ways throughout our career. It is different things for different people depending on life context, skills set, and place within the continuum of professional identity. I personally want to thank everyone for being a member; participating in our shared learning opportunities through conferences/workshops, debating issues on our special interest groups, and contributing to written submissions. For those who spend the extra time connecting with clients to make sure they truly understand the occupational therapy role, and for those who share a friendly face to a new member of our profession, I thank you all.

Rita Robinson MOccTher. ROT. MNZAOT

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What an absolutely stunning bid – proud to be a member of NZAOT and a New Zealander. This is extremely exciting.

NZAOT member

Executive Director’s reportThis annual report focuses on the activities and achievements of the NZAOT over the 2011 – 2012 year. It reflects the commitments of the members, elected council and staff. I want to acknowledge and thank you all for another successful year – together we have achieved much to be proud of.

This report is organised based on outcomes highlighted in our strategic plan.

Ka kite anö

Siobhan Molloy� Executive Director

Goal 1. Sustaining a robust professional profile

Facilitating communication

n The introduction of the NZAOT issues online discussion forum saw a surge in member engagement. Robust, passionate and meaningful discussion on topics of interest to members in real time continues to be a strength for NZAOT.

n Embracing the theme ‘Enabling Maximum Potential’ occupational therapists throughout Aotearoa New Zealand enthusiastically celebrated Occupational Therapy Week (24 – 28 October) in myriad ways including a ‘swapathon’ fundraiser, intranet daily messages, professional development, stands in public places, celebratory morning teas, and awards. Using NZAOT resources members improved the understanding of the purpose and value of occupational therapy – in essence giving the message that occupational therapy enables maximum potential.

Being Visible and Accessible

*Doing Well Together - phrase coined by Vivienne Udaza, courtesy by Frank Kronenberg (Source: Kronenberg F, Pollard N, Sakellariou D (Eds.) (2011). Occupational Therapies without Borders: Towards an Ecology of Occupation-Based Practices, Churchill Livingstone - Elsevier, Oxford)

“Doing Well Together”

The creation of the bid document for the privilege of hosting the next Asia-Pacific Occupational Therapy Congress (APOTC) in 2015 included significant research into the development of the programme framework, the budget, venue location and tourist attraction possibilities. A team effort between the office, the president and the permanent scientific programme committee paid off when NZAOT president Rita Robinson pitched our bid in Thailand, and won this international opportunity.

DOING WELL TOGETHER*: with your food basket and my food basket the people will thrive

KIA MAHI TAHI TA-

TOU, KIA ORA TAHI AI: nä tä rourou, nä taku rourou ka ora ai te iwi

First year occupational therapy students join occupational therapists at Auckland City Hospital to celebrate OT Week.

NZ Occupational Therapists Research and Education Trust ‘Swapathon’ fund raiser organizers: Yasmin Orton, Clare Hocking and Elise Copeland.

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New technologies

n Streamlining service delivery, decreasing costs, and increasing responsiveness are the aims of the introduction of online joining, online payments and paperless receipting. Further enhancements are ongoing with the development of a new member database where members will be able to manage their own information – a work in progress.

n Embracing technological advances has seen the beginnings of continuing professional development online – in your own time, at home or the workplace. The launch of NZAOT CPD online enabled

increasing the visibility of occupational therapy with all primary schools receiving invites to this first option of ‘Difficulties with Handwriting’.

Out and about

n NZAOT joined the OTBNZ in welcoming new graduate occupational therapists to the profession at both Otago Polytechnic (Dunedin and Hamilton) and AUT University. For occupational therapy and the association to thrive, we proactively engage our new and (usually younger) members. We recognise the need to actively encourage, nurture and involve our future leaders.

n NZAOT and members continue to have a strong presence as they team up with the Automobile Association (AA) CarFit programme. This is a community service education programme for older drivers.

n Getting out there to meet therapists at the ‘Show Your Ability’ roadshow in Auckland, Hamilton and Palmerston North is another highlight. This is an event we engage in annually to actively communicate and exchange ideas between staff and members/non-members, the public, and equipment suppliers.

We learned and we laughed – we enjoyed ourselves and celebrated our profession together.

NZAOT member in reference to Occupational Therapy week

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Representing Members – Influencing Policy�Occupational Therapy Key Strategic Stakeholders (OTKSS)

Significant progress was noted in relation to achievements against the OTKSS strategic plan – our first significant cross sector plan. OTKSS stakeholders - the association, the Occupational Therapy Board of New Zealand and both occupational therapy programmes - work together to ensure each sector is informed by the other’s activities.

International representation

New Zealand was proud to actively participate in the World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT) 30th Council Meeting in Taiwan, submitting three agenda items.

NZAOT continues to take an active role internationally with contributions to the WFOT Bulletins and WFOT e-News, the 2011 Human Resource Project, and an outline of the NZAOT response to the Christchurch earthquakes. NZAOT members involved with WFOT are Clare Hocking - project leader for the revision of the 2002 WFOT Minimum Standards for the Education of Occupational Therapists, and Kirk Reed and Brenda Flood’s names have been forwarded for being involved in the development of the WFOT position on interprofessional education and collaborative practice. Thank you to Alison Nelson who completed a six year term as NZAOT delegate to the WFOT, and to Merrolee Penman who was elected to take up this interesting and challenging international role.

Member Nancy Wright continues with a voice on the Occupational Therapy Council (New Zealand and Australia). This governance group has key functions around occupational therapy programme accreditation and qualifications approval.

Ensuring an Occupational Therapy� PerspectiveAdvocating for an occupational therapy perspective continued to feature strongly, and the following submissions were made:

The Wider Journey: The Rights of Disabled People 2012

We said: “Engaging in society in a purposeful and meaningful way and to having your voice heard is a basic human right and we support strategies that empower people to do so. In a just and democratic society each person’s right to access information and have a voice should be equally valued. No person’s right to participate and to vote should be lost due to disability.”

Green Paper for Vulnerable Children 2012

We recommended a long term cross-party legislative plan that fosters cultural change through a perspective shift from individualism to collectivism; a family centered perspective over a child first perspective, a preventative rather than a reactive legislative plan, while embedding doing occupations together within our communities as a positive linking experience thereby strengthening each other through developing relationships.

HWNZ workforce service reviews 2011

In response to the first tranche of workforce service review findings and recommendations to the Health Workforce New Zealand (HWNZ) Board, NZAOT submitted feedback in particular in regards to the palliative care, aged care, and musculoskeletal reviews.

General Practice training review 2011

We promoted an enhancement in the understanding and appreciation of the roles of the interprofessional team in order to maximise client outcomes. We emphasized our belief that an increased interprofessional way of working and appropriate involvement of allied health professionals leads to a more integrated health care system, improved outcomes and is a cost benefit.

NZAOT continues to have active participation in several forums including the Allied Health Professional Associations’ Forum (AHPAF) and the ACC Futures Coalition. An ongoing

relationship exists with the Ministry of Health and with ACC – a major activity was contributing to discussions on the skills and competencies required for vocational rehabilitation, and a forum on implementing the health benefits of work.

Thank you NZAOT for continuing to provide opportunities to enrich our professional context.

NZAOT member

Supporting and Developing PracticeFor the second year, member Merrolee Penman (as one of the founding members of OT4OT) contributed to the OT4OT-24-non-stop-hours bonanza of international occupational therapy wisdom online, which had occupational therapists from 30 plus countries tune in, with 2 presentations from New Zealand. One of these presentations was co-delivered with occupational therapists from China. Both presenters talked about their experiences as occupational therapists providing services post the Christchurch and Sichuan province earthquakes. The recordings can be located here: http://ot4ot.com/archives/world-ot-day-2011/

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Publications

The peer-reviewed New Zealand Journal of Occupational Therapy, Volume 58 Issue 2 was published and increasingly has an international following as noted by an increase in royalties as well as contra access from the Canadian and Australian associations. Membership also ensures privileged online access to the Journal of Occupational Science, the Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy and the Australian Occupational Therapy Journal.

The 11 edition OT Insight magazine continued and provided information, clinical articles, book reviews, sector news, and continuing education updates. A bicultural edition was published in July.

Special interest groups (SIG’s)

SIGs now number 21 online email and web based discussion forums. Three additional groups were initiated: NZAOT issues, occupational therapy and sustainability, and vocational rehabilitation.

Professional development

The influence of the historic setting of Waitangi was not lost on members who attended the Baskets of Knowledge: Nga Kete o te Matauranga NZAOT clinical workshops in November. A palpable sense of warmth and connectiveness was created on the first day at the powhiri at Te Tii o te Waitangi marae, and remained throughout the three day event.

I have returned … feeling refreshed, invigorated and inspired.

NZAOT member

A continuing professional development (CPD) plan which incorporates regular affordable online CPD alongside occasional face to face seminars was developed, and implemented at year end.

Reciprocity between Occupational Therapy Australia and NZAOT now ensures our respective members are able to access each other’s events at member discounted prices.

Grants, trusts and bequests

The New Zealand Occupational Therapists Research & Education Trust continued to consolidate its funds through ongoing donations from members, the association, and fundraising. Nil grants were awarded this year. The trustees are eager to grant monies in the coming year to occupational therapist researchers.

In memory of Karis Boyd (1935 – 2009), an occupational therapist who lived, breathed and personified all the values, qualities and virtues which the occupational therapy profession stands for, the Karis Boyd Trust awarded students with small grants to assist them in their studies.

The key theme was working together, accepting difference and working in partnership. I recommend attending any upcoming NZAOT clinical workshops as they are practically based and you have an opportunity to reflect and take away new learning back to the work setting.

NZAOT member

Grace O’Sullivan brings passion to the topic of promoting excellence in dementia care.

‘Promoting Excellence in Dementia Care’ was the title of a 2 day NZAOT workshop facilitated by Grace O’Sullivan. Participants affirmed they were educated anew, and were invigorated and empowered by their new insights.

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Recognising ExcellenceCongratulations to Dr Fi Graham who received the Medical Staffing International/NZAOT Occupational Therapy Achievement Award for her development of Occupational Performance Coaching which is being used with parents of children facing challenges in everyday life in New Zealand and internationally. This innovative intervention programme has already proved itself by enabling children with skill delays to perform daily tasks more effectively and easily.

Our congratulations also go to graduates Magbh McIntyre (Otago Polytechnic), and Sarah Mann (AUT University) who were honoured for the highest level of achievement in completing the occupational therapy programme with the NZAOT Graduate Award.

Dr Fi Graham winner of the Medical Staffing International/NZAOT Occupational Therapy Achievement Award.

Goal 2. Maintaining a sustainable organisationA major activity was the revision of the current NZAOT rules and consultation with members – the fruits of this will be known when members vote on the proposed changes in the upcoming AGM.

MembershipMembership numbers fluctuated slightly with a growth rate at -3% and an 80% retention rate. Membership has not varied significantly in terms of numbers, growth or retention over many years.

StaffingStaffing had slight changes with the return of financial administrator Nadine Haines, and the resignation of membership and marketing co-ordinator Dael Williams part way through the year. Staffing FTE was reduced to 2.8. I wish to acknowledge staff for continuing to provide full services in a very tight and challenging work environment.

Organisational well-being

To thrive, to flourish, to prosper, to succeed, to bloom and to blossom – together we can, and together we do: checking the vital signs of NZAOT uncovers thriving volunteers at its heart. You know who you are – THANK YOU to all who are actively engaged in special interest group discussions, contributing material for our key publications, presenting at the clinical workshops, serving on committees, or contributing on submissions - we could not do this without you.

Matua James and whaea Iri Nicholls were instrumental in supporting us through the cultural protocols at the clinical workshops in Waitangi.

Financial sustainability

The association experienced a deficit for the third year.

NZAOT was challenged this year to substantiate the effect of nil membership subscription rate increases. Having maintained the same rate for seven years it became apparent it was no longer possible to provide services at the same level. In addition (as with all member associations), it is fair to say there are still unquantifiable effects of the global credit crisis and ensuing recession, such as workforce pressures and rising living and operational costs which impact our viability. What NZAOT needed was a significant member subscription increase and/or a significant member increase.

Members rose to the challenge and overwhelmingly supported a significant increase in member subscriptions beginning in April 2012.

Notwithstanding the global financial status and membership subscription freeze for the past 7 years, there has been continued vigilance to managing the operating budget and thus our position at 31 March 2012 is still relatively healthy going forward. Thank you members.

Matua Jim and whaea Iri Nicholls alongside

the Treaty of Waitangi ground’s waka named Ngatokimatawhaorua.

The organising committee fronted by convener Diane Henare at the

closing of the 2011 NZAOT clinical workshops in Waitangi

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Summarised Financial Statements

In summary�The annual report for the 01 April 2011– 31 March 2012 year demonstrates how NZAOT continues to meet members’ expectations through its ongoing commitment to its current mission: ‘To promote excellence in knowledge, standards, support and representation.’

The coming year holds much to look forward to – we will be:

n hosting the NZAOT conference: Märamatanga Hou fresh perspectives in the heart of the Waikato in September

n asking members to support a revised constitution

n embedding in a new vision, mission and strategic goals to take us forward over the next 3 – 5 years

n engaging our membership more in growing the public awareness of occupational therapy

n beginning our journey to host the Asia-Pacific Occupational Therapy Congress in Rotorua 2015

Ka kite anö�

Siobhan Molloy� Executive Director

Members and staff as at 31 March 2012

Council membersPresident

Tracey Partridge (2010 - 11) Rita Robinson (elected AGM 2011)

Treasurer Christine Pacey (elected AGM 2011)

Secretary Michelle Ayres (co-opted) Yvonne Browning (elected AGM 2011) Ruth Spain (elected AGM 2011)

Mäori Perspective Karen Gallagher (appointed April 2011)

WFOT Delegate Alison Nelson (2005 - 2011) Merrolee Penman (elected AGM 2011)

Statement of Profit and Loss

2012 2011

Total Income 293,945 320,847

Total Expenses 319,918 351,106

Net surplus/deficit for Year – 17,209 – 37,872

A link to the full audited financial statements for year ending March 31, 2012 will be emailed to members. Copies of the financial statements are available from the national office on request.

Balance Sheet

2012 2011

Total Assets 306,947 378,003

Total Liabilities 91,300 136,469

Equity 224,324 241,533

NZAOT OfficeSiobhan Molloy, Executive Director

Responsible for the leadership and management of the New Zealand Association of Occupational Therapists (NZAOT) according to the strategic direction set by the council.

Shirlee Cantwell, Office Administrator Responsible for administrative support, including being the first point of contact and maintaining our membership database.

Dael Williams, Membership and Marketing Co-ordinator Responsible for marketing NZAOT’s memberships so that the membership grows, and ensuring members’ benefits are relevant. (Resigned October 2011)

Tina Larsen, Communications/Professional Development Responsible for editing the OT Insight, and co-ordinating professional development opportunities for members.

Nadine Haines, Financial Administrator Responsible for managing NZAOT’s accounting functions in accordance with legislative requirements and standard accounting practice, and providing up-to-date financial information.

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