Search the Register | Psychologists Board

One of the most important mechanisms provided by the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003 to protect members of the public is title protection. Only practitioners who are currently registered with (and who are therefore accountable to) the Psychologists Board can legally use the title “Psychologist”. It is crucial that members of the public can trust that a practitioner using a protected title has been determined to be competent and fit to practise and is accountable to a government-mandated regulatory authority for their practice.

If you are aware of any person who is not registered using the title “Psychologist” (by itself or in combination with other words), please contact us immediately.

Psychologists must also hold a current practising certificate to lawfully practise the profession. You can use the search tool below to see if a practitioner is registered as a psychologist and/or holds a current practising certificate.

Practitioners can be removed from the Register for a variety of reasons. Some ask to be removed when they retire or move overseas, while others are removed when the Board loses touch with them due to out-of-date or otherwise incorrect address details. Removal may also be the result of fitness, competence, or conduct processes. Any questions about a practitioner who has been removed from the Register can be forwarded to the Registrar.

Health Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal (HPDT) Decisions

Dr H Heron-Speirs – Summary of HPDT Decision

Mr P Joseph – 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.

	Surname	First Names	Registration No	Status
	Surname	First Names	Registration No	Status