Special Interest Groups

NZAOT has a growing number of national Special Interest Groups (SIGs) – the purpose is to provide a network throughout New Zealand of occupational therapists with a special interest in a particular practice area  

The object of a SIG may include:

• To facilitate the sharing and distribution of ideas and resources within the group

• To be an identifiable resource for NZAOT Council and Executive Director for issues pertaining to  a particular practice area  

• To provide a forum to discuss occupational therapy issues in a particular practice area about concerns which affect the profession locally, regionally and nationally.

• To provide the opportunity to facilitate consistency on policies procedures and issues nationally.

Each group has its own identified area of special interest and varies in how it carries out its main activities.

It is possible to add any number of links/extra pages in each SIG area (e.g. minutes, course information, practice tips etc) - Ask national office if you would like something posted here.

How do I join a special interest group?

Members are invited to join any group(s) they have an interest in – membership of groups is inclusive in the membership subscription rate. Contact us at the national office and indicate which group(s) you would like to join.

NZAOT uses an online LISTserv (Google groups) for email discussion for all special interest groups.

About Google Groups and Special Interest Groups

For each SIG you will receive an email invite which indicates 'activation' of your membership of a particular NZAOT SIG LISTserv. The key action you need to do is open a Google account (this is free). Instructions on how to open a Google account and how to accept your invitation to join the special interest groups are in a downloadable pdf file. Open instructions now.

How do I change my profile for the SIGs?

To see (pdf document) the instructions on how to change your profile and add photos etc, click here.

How do I send a message to my SIG?

You can post a message to the group by sending an email to SIG address, but remember when sending and replying to messages posted, your email will go to everyone in the group, so don't send personal replies this way.

What are the Archives?

All messages and attachments can be viewed in the Archives on the Google Group web site - helpful if you want to refer back to a past discussion.

How do I know if I have succeeded in joining a SIG?

Follow the instructions for sending an email to the SIG.  Then - introduce yourself to the group; telling something of your back ground and special interests and perhaps even pose a question or share some recent experiences. 

When you post to a SIG LISTserv - the sender automatically also receives a copy of the message.  Receipt of this message is confirmation that you have successfully joined.

Some organizations appear to have a block on receiving group emails - if this is the case you can sometimes get the IT  department to set you up with a different email address which bypasses the block.

How can I start a special interest group in my area of practice?

If there is not a special interest group to meet your needs – consider setting one up through NZAOT.  

Refer to the Regulations for guidance and forward an application to national office.