FOR THE PUBLIC

Decisions

Health Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal (HPDT) Decisions

Dr H Heron-Speirs – Summary of HPDT Decision

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.