This heralds a new phase the NZROHA after more than 30 years of the current entry requirements.

 

We recognise that the way aromatherapy is taught and practised now is very different to previous years and we want to make our organisation be more representative and accessible to all. Our Acting Education officer Wendy presented a white paper in 2025 for members to review and feedback and explore ways to widen the appeal of the NZROHA and make it more inclusive of the different ways aromatherapy may be practiced. This followed a review of other entry requirements and training possiblities. A draft remit was submitted to EC in November of 2025 for approval to submit to the AGM for member voting.

FAQS

1. Where do I join? For new member enquiries please email us. For CHAP please email scans of your training showing hours, content and level.

2. I am currently an associate member and think I meet the new standards now for CHAP. what do I do? Please email us with your evidence of training

3.Do I still need to do a first aid cert and 20 hours CPD for a CHAP? Yes you do- our EC discussed this at length and we want  to ensure our CHAP members maintain currency and safety. The First Aid certifcate  or revalidation needs to be completed every 2 years and the minimum is the foundation/basic Course offered by many providers. remember this is a claimable business expense. Current registered health professionals do not need a FA certifcate.

      First Aid Level 1 / Essential First Aid: of training. 

The 20 hours CPD every 2 years remains a key part of our standards and this can be completed over many ways. Please see the earlier blog post with options. We will audit a number of people each year- we do not need copies of any certifcates, just a log with whast you did & the hours spent. As a small orgnaisation we operate on a high trust model

Summary

1. Professional members will now be called Clinical Holistic Aromatherapy Practitioners (CHAPS) and all current professional members who meet all current required will be automatically grandparented in and receive a new certifcate identifying this

2. Associate Members will be called Aromatic Associates and can be an individual or a business who is involved with aromatherapy some way (e.g student, business, teacher, researcher). These members do not receive a certifcate of registration.

The Agreed Remit in Full as ratifed at the June 13 AGM 2026

1. The register shall consist of members who are either full trained or  in training in aromatherapy or are engaged in any business or interest associated with the practice of aromatherapy
2. There shall be two classes of membership:
   1. Clinical Holistic Aromatherapy Practitioner (CHAPS) who must meet the standards of training as specified in Appendix A of these rules.
      1. CHAPS must abide by the rules, Code of Practice and Code of practice throughout their membership
      2. CHAPS must maintain a minimum of 20 hrs CPD every two years and a current First Aid certificate
      3. CHAPS are entitled to a full public listing on the NZROHA website, can use the words Clinical Holistic Aromatherapy Practitioner NZROHA with a NZROHA logo
      4. Initial applications to become a CHAP will require the payment of an application fee as set by the EC for the initial review of documentation. The current membership fee is then charged if all criteria is met
   2. Aromatic Associate is anyone involved with aromatherapy but does not meet the requirements for full CHAPS status:
      1. An Aromatic Associate can be an individual OR a business
      2. Aromatic Associates businesses can be listed on the NZROHA under the relevant section for free if they provide a discount to NZROHA members, otherwise a small fee is charged as determined by the EC
      3. Aromatic Associates are not required to maintain CPD hours or have a First Aid certificate however they must abide by the Code of Ethics
      4. Aromatic Associates can use the words Aromatic Associate Member of NZROHA but not any NZROHA logo
      5. Aromatic Associate Members who are both an individual and a business can have a second membership for a reduced price as determined by the EC
3. Grandparenting of existing Professional Members as at AGM when the Vote for rule change is passed:
   1. Current Professional members who are fully financial and meet the current CPD and First Aid requirements at time of rule change will be automatically grand parented into the new CHAPS status and a new Certificate issued with this information
   2. Past Professional members or those who are not financial members at the time of rule change will need to apply under the new membership criteria and pay any associated costs of application
4. Inability to meet professional requirements due to special circumstances (suspension):
   1. The NZROHA recognises that from time-to-time CHAPS/Professional members may not be able to fulfil their CPD and other professional obligations for a period of time. A quorum of the EC will review any application for suspension and can offer the following remedies to members depending on or circumstances:
      1. Move to Aromatic Associate membership at the conclusion of the CHAP running out
         1. Any subsequent request to reregister as a CHAP will require meeting the current standards
      2. Offer a one-year suspended CHAP membership at a discounted rate determined by the EC (not less than Aromatic Associate rate). The words ‘non practicing’ will be added to the website listing
         1. Renewal after 1 year reliant on evidence of CPD and First Aid only
         2. If issue is ongoing  member is entitled to move to Aromatic Associate and must meet same requirement as detailed in 4 a), 1
         3. A suspension is only offered once and whilst suspended the member will continue to receive communication from the NZROHA and can attend events as if an Aromatic Associate
         4. Resignation at the request of the member will involve removing all reference to the member on the website and communication from the NZROHA will cease

• The way Aromatherapy is being practiced has changed over the time of the inception of the NZROHA
• Many aromatherapists do not use massage as part of their practice so removing this removes a barrier to registration
• The intended impact is an increased membership base and clearer definition between the two tiers of membership
• Any fully trained aromatherapist who is practising aromatherapy should register under the CHAPS criteria unless there is extenuating circumstances for a temporary suspension.
• This change aligns with the overall objectives of the NZROHA to enhance the professional status of Aromatherapy

Consultation has occurred via the EC following a white paper prepared by Dr. Wendy Maddocks (RN, Aromatherapists). All members were invited to participate in these discussions and an invite to be seconded onto the EC extended. Final consultation and ratification of this remit occurred 9/11/2025 by the EC, with a seconded casual member participating.

The following clauses will need to be changed to reflect the new wording of the membership tiers

4 ii)

5 i) and ii)

5 iii)

And anywhere else the term professional member or Associate member is used

Appendix to Remit

Standards of Training

1. Clinical Holistic Aromatherapy Practitioner (CHAP) shall meet the following minimum standard s of education:
   1. 1. Have undertaken a course of study of at least 200 hours study of essential oil chemistry, usage and blending, safety, pharmacokinetics (min 50 essential oils), including case studies and consultations and can provide evidence of content  taught and grade/certificate/evidence of completion
   2. Has education to at least NZQA level 4 in anatomy, physiology and human pathophysiology minimum of 40 credits or equivalent (40 credits = 400 hours)

Notes: the course of study can be comprised of different courses from different providers

1. Definition of a Clinical Holistic Aromatherapy Practitioner
   1. A clinical Holistic Aromatherapy practitioner is someone who has completed the required level of aromatherapy training and can apply this knowledge in a professional and safe way, according to their level of training:
   2. A CHAP can undertake a clinical assessment and prepare aromatic products to meet individualised needs based on knowledge of essential oils, safety and the human condition
   3. A CHAP can advise, consult on  or develop aromatic interventions/products  for others but may not directly provide them (e.g. consulting to a hospice)
   4. A CHAP may undertake consultations in person, or virtually
2. Graduates of approved training may be granted automatic eligibility to the NZROHA as determined by the EC and publicly displayed