At the gala dinner on Saturday evening at the AACMA Conference in Brisbane, the strong relationship between NZRA and AACMA was formally recognised. A Memorandum of Understanding between the two organisations was signed by the President of NZRA, Ms Paddy McBride and the Acting President of AACMA, Mr Richard Li

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The purpose of the MOU is to consolidate cross-Tasman liaison and cooperation for the mutual benefit of NZRA and AACMA, and the profession in both countries. The two organisations are the largest professional bodies in their respective countries representing practitioners of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine and the form and content MoU was agreed upon by the Council and Board of the two bodies in the past few weeks.

AACMA and NZRA have a long-standing relationship and there have been positive relations for many years between the two bodies. This was formalised in 2006 when it was agreed that each would attend and present at the others annual conference every year. Since 2006 the relationship has further developed as both organisations face many similar issues, particularly with regard to registration of the profession. National Registration begins on July 1 2012 in Australia and because the current New Zealand government adopted the same criteria for registration of health professions here in New Zealand it is expected that it is only a matter of time before the same path is followed on this side of the Tasman.