Consultation release:             Friday 24 October 2025

Consultation closes:               Friday 5 December 2025

Introduction

The New Zealand Psychologists Board (the Board), under section 130 of the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003 (HPCA Act), is consulting on proposed changes to several fees charged for functions other than Annual Practising Certificates (APC).

The HPCA Act requires the Board to consult with practitioners before prescribing or amending fees.

The Board’s statutory responsibility is to protect the health and safety of the public by ensuring psychology in Aotearoa New Zealand is practised safely, competently and ethically.  To fulfil this role responsibly, the Board must remain financially sustainable, with fees that accurately reflect the true cost of providing functions.

Background

Over recent years, the Board has kept fee increases to a minimum while delivering on an ambitious programme of strategic and regulatory work.

However, a recent review has identified that some function fees no longer reflect the time, staff expertise, and external costs required to deliver them.

This has resulted in partial cross-subsidisation, where some practitioners have effectively funded functions used by others.

To ensure greater transparency, equity, and financial sustainability, the Board is now proposing a move to 100% cost recovery for all fee-based functions outside of APC renewal.

This approach:

• • Aligns with best practice for professional regulators
  • Reduces the need for cross-subsidisation
  • Makes it clearer how fees are calculated
  • Ensures the Board can meet its statutory obligations without depleting reserves

Rationale for Moving to 100% Cost Recovery

Historically, some fees were set at levels below the actual cost of delivering the function, with the difference funded through reserves.

While these kept costs lower for some applicants, it was not sustainable or equitable.

The proposed changes reflect:

• • The average time and resources required for each function, including staff, governance, and external expert input
  • The removal of cross-subsidies between practitioners
  • The need to preserve reserves for unforeseen events such as complex legal or disciplinary matters
  • The Board’s commitment to transparency and fairness in how practitioner fees are set

Summary of Proposed Fee Changes (GST inclusive)

Key Points

• • Most changes are modest, intended to align fees with actual function costs.
  • Larger increases apply only to complex or resource-intensive functions (vocational scope applications, overseas registrations, accreditation)
  • A small number of fees remain unchanged or are being removed where redundant

Consultation Q&A – Proposed Fee Changes

Why are these changes needed?

To ensure all fees reflect the actual cost of function delivery, removing the need for cross-subsidisation and ensuring long term financial sustainability.

How were the proposed fees calculated?

The Board assessed the average staff time, governance input, and external costs for each function. Each proposed fee represents full cost recovery (100%) for that function.

How do these changes benefit practitioners?

They make fee structures fairer, clearer, and more transparent, ensuring each function is funded by those who use it rather than by all practitioners collectively.

When will the changes take effect?

Following consultation and Board approval, the new fees will take effect 28 working days after publication in the New Zealand Gazette.

Consultation Questions

The Board welcomes feedback on any aspect of the proposed fee changes. In particular, we invite your views on:

1. 1. Whether the proposed fee changes appear reasonable and fair in light of the Board’s role and responsibilities.
   2. Any impacts (positive or negative) these changes have for you, your practice, or your organisation.
   3. Any suggestions or alternative approaches the Board should consider before finalising the new fees.

How Can I Have My Say?

What Happens Next?

After submissions close, the Board will carefully consider all submissions before making a final decision. A summary of all submissions and final fee schedule will be published, ensuring transparency and demonstrating how practitioner input has informed the outcome.