What does the Dietitians Board do for you?

We promote and enhance the health of New Zealanders by ensuring that dietitians practice safely and competently.

The role of the Board

The primary role of the Board is to promote and protect public interest by providing mechanisms to ensure that Dietitians are qualified, competent and fit to practise their profession.

Dietitian’s Scope of Practice

Dietitians are registered health practitioners who evaluate scientific evidence about food and nutrition and translate it into practical strategies. Dietitians work in partnership with individuals, whānau, communities and populations, in states of health and disease, to support optimal health and well-being.

Dietitians use their dietetic knowledge, skills, and judgement in a variety of contexts, which includes promoting and protecting public health, directing and delivering medical nutrition therapy services, and managing food and health systems. They may perform a variety of functions, including policy development, leadership, management, research, education, and communication roles.

Dietitians with a prescribing endorsement are able to prescribe Special Foods and approved nutrition-related medicines.

Dietitians are accountable for ensuring that their practice is consistent with the Dietitians Board’s competency requirements, Code of Ethics and Conduct, and relevant legislation.

Registering as a dietitian

Applicants who hold and satisfy all the qualifications, competence and fitness for registration requirements of the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003 (HPCA Act) are likely to be eligible to apply for registration under the Dietitians Board's Scope of Practice.