FOR THE PUBLIC

Health Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal (HPDT) Decisions

Dr H Heron-Speirs – Summary of HPDT Decision

Mr P Joseph – Summary of HPDT Decision

Dr C Lubbe De Beer – Summary of HPDT Decision

Ms H – Summary of HPDT Decision
In a decision released on 6 October 2025, the Health Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal cancelled Ms H’s registration under s101(1)(a) of the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act.  

Dr H pleaded guilty to a number of offences relating to breaches of the Films, Videos & Publications Classification Act 1993 and the Customs and Excise Act 2018. Each of the admitted charges carried a maximum penalty of between 10 and 14 years imprisonment.  The various charges admitted related to the possession and distribution of pornography involving children.

Publication of Orders

Notice made under section 157 of the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003 (the Act) in respect of Gunther van der Heijden, clinical psychologist

On 25 August 2021, the Board made an order to suspend the practising certificate of Gunther van der Heijden (reg: 90-04450) of Taupo, under section 39(2) of the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act (the Act), effective 7 September 2021.

This order was made on the basis that, after conducting a review of Mr van der Heijden’s competence, the Board has reason to believe that his practice poses a risk of serious harm to the public and the orders that were already in place were not sufficient to protect the public.

The Board has made the decision to name Mr van der Heijden under its Naming Policy established under sections 157A to 157I of the Act, for the following reasons:

• He fails to meet the required standard of competence and there are public safety concerns should he practise contrary to the Board’s orders; and
• He has contributed to delays in implementing the orders made by the Board to remediate his practice and protect the public.