Evolving With the Times: Exploring Name and Identity Growth for Diversional and Recreational Therapy in Aotearoa

Across Aotearoa New Zealand, Diversional and Recreational Therapy continues to grow far beyond what many people traditionally understood the profession to be. What was once commonly associated with activities in aged care now spans into a wide range of settings including disability support, mental health, brain injury rehabilitation, community wellbeing, corrections, therapeutic community programmes and more. As the profession grows, an important conversation has also emerged within the sector:

Does our current name still accurately reflect the depth, scope, complexity and therapeutic recreation intent of our work today?

The New Zealand Society of Diversional and Recreational Therapists Inc. (NZSDRT Inc.) has begun discussions around potentially evolving the language and identity of the profession to better align with international standards and current practice.

Importantly, we are now in a consultation and exploration phase and not an immediate change. Any formal change would require member consultation, constitutional processes, and voting.

Why Is This Conversation Happening?

This discussion reflects the ongoing growth and maturation of the profession. As DRT practitioners increasingly work within complex therapeutic environments, language plays a critical role in how the profession is understood, recognised, and valued. While the terms Diversional Therapy and Diversional and Recreational Therapy hold strong historical significance in Aotearoa and Australia, some practitioners have shared that these terms can, at times, lead to misunderstandings, particularly in international contexts and some health settings. 

Aligning With Global Standards

Internationally, terms such as:

• Therapeutic Recreation

• Recreational Therapy

• Therapeutic Recreation Specialist

are widely recognised within healthcare, prevention, education, rehabilitation, and allied health sectors. 

Aligning more closely with internationally recognised terminology may:

• strengthen professional recognition

• improve understanding of the role across sectors (e.g., health, disability, aged care, corrections, mental health services) 

• support clearer communication within the many disciplinary teams we currently collaborate with

• enhance advocacy within healthcare spaces

• create stronger pathways for professional workforce development

• support practitioners working internationally

• reinforce the therapeutic and evidence-based nature of the profession

  
  

Practitioner Titles

It is important to note that official professional titles may differ from job titles used by individual organisations. Professional titles are expected to align with qualifications, professional standards, and registration requirements (including the current NZSDRT Inc. Annual Practising Certificate – APC).

Today, the NZSDRT Inc. recognize the ff:

Qualified Diversional and Recreational Therapist (Qualified DRTh)

A Qualified DRTh is someone who has completed a recognised New Zealand qualification in Diversional and Recreational Therapy demonstrating formal education and training in the profession.

Nationally Registered Diversional and Recreational Therapist (Reg. DRTh)

A Reg. DRTh is a practitioner who has met NZSDRT Inc. national registration standards, including evidence of practice and ongoing professional development, and holds a current Annual Practising Certificate (APC).

Possible practitioner titles explored during this consultation phase include:

• Recreational Therapist

• New Zealand Therapeutic Recreation Specialist

These discussions are still evolving, and no decisions have been finalised.

Honouring the Roots of the Profession

A consistent theme throughout this discussion is the importance of honouring the profession’s history. Diversional and Recreational Therapy in Aotearoa has been shaped by decades of dedication, advocacy, and innovation. Practitioners have built a strong legacy under the current title, one that continues to hold deep meaning for many. This conversation is not about erasing that history, it is rather considering how the profession’s identity might continue to evolve while respecting and preserving its foundations. 

Many members have expressed that any future evolution should honour the foundations laid by earlier generations while also preparing the profession for the future.

Honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Pasifika, and Cultural Contexts 

Any consideration of the profession’s future in Aotearoa must also reflect its commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the unique cultural context of New Zealand. This includes recognising and supporting Māori and Pasifika models of wellbeing, such as Te Whare Tapa Whā, Te Wheke, Fonofale, and ensuring that the language of the profession aligns with holistic, culturally responsive approaches to health. This exploration provides an opportunity to ensure that the profession’s identity reflects both international alignment and local relevance within a bicultural and increasingly diverse society. 

What Could This Mean for Practitioners?

It is important to acknowledge that changes to professional identity can bring both opportunities and uncertainty. Any potential future changes would carefully consider impacts on practitioners, including:

• professional identity

• qualifications and recognition

• workplace understanding of roles

• communication across sectors

  
  

If changes were adopted, they would be gradual, clearly communicated, and supported, ensuring practitioners remain confident and recognised in their work. At the same time, the perspectives of those who value the current terminology are an essential part of this conversation and are being actively considered.

A Profession Continuing to Grow

Diversional and Recreational Therapists are now working in increasingly diverse and complex environments. Their contribution goes far beyond activities, and not limited to:

• facilitating meaningful engagement

• educating others regarding meaningful activities

• supporting emotional and mental wellbeing

• reducing social isolation and loneliness

• strengthening identity and connection

• helping people reconnect with purpose and meaning

  
  

As the profession continues to evolve, it is natural to reflect on whether the language used to describe this work evolves alongside it.

Next Steps

NZSDRT Inc. will continue gathering feedback from members and stakeholders across the sector. This phase includes open dialogue, sector engagement, and opportunities for contribution to ensure any future direction reflects the collective voice of the profession.

Updates will be shared as the conversation progresses, with formal opportunities for input before any decisions are made.

Have Your Say

At the heart of this discussion is a shared commitment to strengthen the profession while continuing to advocate for the people and communities we support. Because regardless of the title we use, one truth remains unchanged:

Recreation is a Human Right, and connection, and meaningful engagement are essential to human wellbeing.

We seek your thoughts and reflections.Please email your feedback to: historian@diversionaltherapy.net.nz