History

The New Zealand College of Massage had its origins in 1984 when Susan Penman commenced teaching massage short courses to public groups including: nursing students, hospice support groups, plunket groups and many others interested in the health benefits of massage. At this time an association with Edgewater Community Education was formed which still continues to this day.

In 1992 Susan established the first “formal” class of diploma study about half of whom were already established practitioners. During this first year 12 students studied on a one day a week basis, focused towards the NZATMP standards.

By 1993 demand had more than doubled, with two classes running concurrently. New Zealand was changing its attitudes to massage and natural health in general and the time seemed right to take the courageous decision to expand. Gail Wolf and Susan, both holders of the NZATMP Diploma, visioned the creation of a teaching establishment for massage in February 1993. By March 1993 the company was registered and in July of that year a building was purchased in Panmure for the purposes of running a private training establishment.

Apart from the two founder directors, three further directors agreed to join the newly formed company. They brought with them knowledge and experience of teaching in nursing and physiotherapy and a conviction that massage was very important in health. One of the directors brought considerable experience from her role as deputy principal of the Auckland Physiotherapy School and head of the physiotherapy examining board.

Many of the original classes of 1991, 1992 and 1993 provided much support and later became the base for the teaching staff at the new college. A further director with expertise in administration and the fast growing area of sports massage was also appointed from this group. Eleven of the present college staff were involved in those early days.

Although the college was successful within the industry, a decision was made to apply for registration as a PTE and local course approval for the diploma programme. The educational background of director Gail Wolf facilitated the application to NZQA. The reasoning behind this application decision was that the college was were aware of the fragmented nature of NZ training and was keen to see portability, continuity and credibility for students. Students were also having difficulties financing their way through the course and many wished to study full time. NZQA approval/accreditation was granted prior to the 1995 year and gave the opportunity for the full time students to obtain student loans and allowances.

In 1999, it was decided to open another branch of the College in Wellington.

2000 saw the delivery of the Diploma in Body Therapies in Wellington to one class of full time students during the daytime. The Certificate in Massage also attracted a number of students in Wellington.

Another role was to address problems with the 1949 Physiotherapy Act and difficulties with the public perception of massage being associated with the massage parlours. Susan discussed the content of the NZATMP education programme with staff at the Auckland Physiotherapy School and visited the Ministry of Health in Wellington to discuss the legal implications of the Act. The Act has now been reviewed and we are able to practice massage without the disclaimer that we are not physiotherapists.

The Bachelor Health Studies (Massage & Neuromuscular Therapy) was first delivered in 2006.