Education and Professional Growth Matters: Strengthening Diversional and Recreational Therapy

As the Diversional and Recreational Therapy industry continues to grow in Aotearoa New Zealand, there is an increasing focus on strengthening professional standards especially when it comes to education and qualifications.

While current recommendations around qualifications and pay are not mandatory, they offer a strong guide for the sector - helping providers, practitioners, and new entrants understand what good practice looks like and how roles can be better defined.

At the heart of these recommendations is a simple idea: your level of education should reflect your level of responsibility and your pay.

Supporting Roles: Building Foundations

For those working in supporting roles such as Activities Assistants, Lifestyle Assistants, or Leisure Support Officers, the recommended pay rates are now more clearly linked to formal qualifications in Health and Wellbeing.

• Level 0–1 (No qualification): $26.16

• Level 2–3 (Level 2 qualification): $27.25

• Level 3–4 (Level 3 qualification): $28.25

• Level 4 (Level 4 qualification): $29.85

These roles are essential in supporting meaningful activities for residents and clients. However, it is important to note that without proper leisure and recreation training, these positions may still fall under caregiver responsibilities and pay structures.

This is where education becomes important. Even at entry level, gaining exposure to therapeutic recreation principles and structured activity planning can shift practice from task-based to person-centred and meaningful engagement.

Qualified Practitioners: Leading with Expertise

For those delivering structured leisure and recreation programmes, qualifications play an even bigger role. Roles such as Qualified and Registered Diversional and Recreational Therapists require a deeper level of knowledge and responsibility.

Recommended rates include:

• Level 4 (Qualified DRT): $30.90

• Level 4A (Qualified + Registered with NZSDRT Inc.): $32.00

  
  

These practitioners are expected to follow a structured process aligned with therapeutic recreation principles assessment, planning, implementation, evaluation, and documentation. This ensures that therapeutic recreational activities are not only enjoyable but also meaningful and beneficial to the individual’s wellbeing.

Registration with NZSDRT Inc. strengthens practice by showing commitment to professional standards, reflection, and ongoing development. It supports accountability, encourages evidence-based and person-centred approaches, and builds credibility within the sector. It also connects practitioners to a wider professional community, supporting shared learning, advocacy, and the continued growth of Diversional and Recreational Therapy in Aotearoa.

Leadership Roles: Driving Quality and Direction

For experienced and registered professionals stepping into leadership or management roles, the expectations and rewards are higher.

To qualify, individuals must hold at least a Level 5 Diploma (or higher) in Diversional and Recreational Therapy, along with current registration.

Recommended pay ranges are:

• Level 5A (Entry Leadership): $35.00 - $45

• Level 5B (Mid-Level Management): $46 - $70

• Level 5C (Senior Leadership): $71 - $110 +

Leaders in this space are responsible for more than programme delivery. They influence culture, mentor teams, drive quality improvement, and ensure alignment with standards such as Ngā Paerewa Health and Disability Services Standard. Their role is critical in shifting how Diversional and Recreational Therapy is understood; from “activities” to essential, evidence-informed practice that influence business strategy and clinical compliance/excellence.

Annual Review of Pay and Professional Growth

It is important to recognise that these recommended rates should not remain static. Like all aspects of practice, they need to be reviewed annually to ensure they remain fair, relevant, and responsive to the current economic climate. At a minimum, adjustments should reflect inflation and cost-of-living increases to protect the value of the workforce. In addition, annual performance appraisals should be considered, recognising individual growth, contribution, and increased responsibilities within the role. Regular review of pay structures supports staff retention, motivation, and professional respect, while reinforcing the value of Diversional and Recreational Therapy within the wider health and disability sector in Aotearoa.

What This Means for Us

Across Aotearoa, there is still variations in how Diversional and Recreational Therapy is being delivered, understood, and valued. Some teams are highly developed and embedded within quality systems, while others are still navigating role clarity and support.

These recommendations are not about enforcement they are about direction.

They provide a shared framework that helps:

• Clarify roles and expectations

• Support workforce development

• Strengthen advocacy for appropriate pay and recognition

• Improve outcomes for residents, clients, and communities

For practitioners, the message is clear: continuing to build your knowledge and skills opens more opportunities not just in pay, but in influence, confidence, and impact.

For organisations, investing in education supports stronger teams, better engagement outcomes, and improved audit and quality performance.

Looking Ahead

Diversional and Recreational Therapy in Aotearoa is at an important point of growth. The shift toward education, registration, and structured practice is helping the profession stand stronger within the wider health and disability sector.

The future of this work depends on how we continue to invest in our people through learning, support, and recognition of the value they bring every day.

Because at the centre of it all is one goal:  to enhance the quality of life of those we support through meaningful engagement.