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People with Convictions Policy
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1. Purpose

This policy outlines how NZAPH considers applications for membership, or ongoing membership, where an individual has a criminal conviction.

The aim is to ensure decisions are:

  • Fair and consistent 

  • Compliant with New Zealand law 

  • Protective of clients and the public 

  • Respectful of rehabilitation and individual circumstances 

 

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

  • All applicants for NZAPH membership 

  • All membership categories 

  • Existing members where new information about convictions becomes known 

 

3. Legal and Ethical Framework

NZAPH will apply this policy in accordance with:

  • Criminal Records (Clean Slate) Act 2004 

  • Human Rights Act 1993 

  • Privacy Act 2020 

  • Incorporated Societies Act 2022 

  • NZAPH Constitution

  • NZAPH Code of Ethics

NZAPH recognises that:

  • Individuals may not be required to disclose convictions covered by the Clean Slate Act (unless exemptions apply) 

  • Personal information must be handled in accordance with privacy obligations 

  • Decisions must not unlawfully discriminate 

 

4. Policy Principles

The Management Committee (MC) will assess each case individually, considering:

a) The nature and seriousness of the offence;

b) The relevance of the offence to hypnotherapy practice, including client safety and vulnerability;

c) The time elapsed since the offence and evidence of rehabilitation;

d) The current views of wider New Zealand society, including how the offence may affect the reputation of NZAPH;

e) The potential impact on clients if the conviction becomes known;

f) Any legal protections (including Clean Slate status);

g) The individual’s insight, accountability, and professional conduct since the offence.

 

5. Victims

The MC will not normally consult victims or their families but may consider publicly available information where appropriate.

 

6. Transparency

The MC may, from time to time, publish anonymised summaries of decisions made under this policy to promote transparency and consistency.

 

7. Procedure

The MC will follow a process that is fair, thorough, and timely, while being mindful of the impact on the individual and their clients.

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a) Initial Information

Receive information about a person with a conviction (e.g. from the Membership Committee) and determine how to proceed.

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b) Notification

Advise the person of this policy and confirm whether they wish to proceed.

  • Any costs (e.g. interview costs) will be reasonable, transparent, and advised in advance. 

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c) Information Gathering

Obtain written information (with consent) from relevant parties, which may include:

  • The individual 

  • Supervisor(s) 

  • Educator(s) 

  • Employer(s) 

  • Other professionals 

This information should address:

  • The offence and context 

  • Rehabilitation and personal development 

  • Current professional practice and client group 

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d) Interview Panel

Where required, the MC will appoint a Special Interview Panel of three or four people.

  • Panel members must have no conflicts of interest 

  • May include members of the MC, Membership Committee, Ethics Committee, or other NZAPH members in good standing 

  • The MC will provide a list of matters to be addressed 

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e) Support Person

The individual may bring a support person to any interview.

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f) Interview Process

The Panel will conduct a fair and respectful interview, addressing:

  • Matters identified by the MC 

  • Any additional relevant issues 

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g) Recommendation

The Panel will provide:

  • A majority recommendation, and 

  • Any minority or dissenting views 

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h) Decision

The MC will:

  • Make the final decision 

  • Provide the decision in writing, including reasons 

  • Indicate whether the decision is: 

    • Final; or 

    • Open to future reapplication 

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i) Ongoing Membership Pathway

Where progression is approved:

  • The MC will provide relevant information to the Membership Committee 

  • Information sharing will be limited to what is necessary and managed in accordance with privacy obligations 

 

8. Guiding Principles

All decisions under this policy will reflect:

  • Natural justice (fair hearing, absence of bias) 

  • Proportionality (response appropriate to risk) 

  • Confidentiality and privacy 

  • Public and client safety 

  • Recognition of rehabilitation where appropriate 

 

9. Review

This policy will be reviewed periodically to ensure alignment with:

  • New Zealand legislation 

  • Professional and ethical standards 

  • Evolving societal expectations 

 

Document Control

NZAPH Operating Manual – Good Character: People with Convictions

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Last reviewed: 2026
Next scheduled review: 2028

The New Zealand Association of Professional Hypnotherapists Inc (NZAPH) is committed to ensuring its policies remain current, relevant and consistent with professional standards and applicable New Zealand legislation.

This policy will be formally reviewed in 2028, or earlier if required to reflect changes in New Zealand legislation, regulatory requirements, professional standards, or the operational needs of the Association.

NZAPH reserves the right to amend its policies at any time, where necessary, to maintain good governance, professional integrity and the protection of its members and the public.

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