The University of Auckland’s Master of Health Science in Nutrition and Dietetics has been teaching students since 2013, and was the latest program to start to deliver dietetic training in New Zealand. The program is supported by significant clinical expertise across the faculty and the University.
The Dieticians Board of New Zealand has led a re-accreditation of all Dietetic programs in New Zealand over the past year and a half to ensure all programs align with the new Professional Skills and Competency Standards set by the Board. The changes to the Master of Health Science in Nutrition and Dietetics include an increased focus on the programmatic assessment of skills, inter-professional education, increased practical placements and individual student learning plans.
In July 2019, a Review Committee consisting of education and content experts reviewed the University structures and curriculum of the program followed by a Board-led written review. Following the review, we the School is pleased to say we have successfully received the re-accreditation and are the first dietetic program in New Zealand to do so.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank those who supported the Accreditation Review, including Professor Alan Merry, Professor, Professor Trevor Sherwin, Professor Andrew Shelling, Professor Paul Donaldson, Professor Paparanagi Reid, Mel Cross, Dr Helen Eyles, District Health Board Dietitians: Julie Carter, Jenny Buxton, Amber Steward, Charlotte Graydon, Susan Lawless, TszShan Moss, Kerry McIlroy, Kim Herbison, Lyn Lloyd, Jasmine Walton, Jenny Bilton and food service dietitians; Kate Syers, Esther Ardley, Laura Mash and Yuhan Zhang, as well as Donnell Alexander and Sarah Hanrahan.