About Us

Ortho-Bionomy NZ was originally formed as a non-profit society in 1992 to promote this effective system of gentle bodywork and oversee the professional training programmes for Practitioners and Instructors.

The Association of NZ Ortho-Bionomists Inc was a founding Member of the NZ Charter of Health Practitioners. In September 1995 Ortho-Bionomy New Zealand Incorporated was registered with the Incorporated Societies, and is a current Member of Natural Health Practitioners New Zealand (whose role is to ensure that Members’ Practitioners meet the high standards set by the Charter).

30 Years Anniversary

In 2025 we marked a 30 year milestone

In honour of the Association’s incorporation 30 years prior, an Anniversary Conference was held in November 2025, Lower Hut, Wellington

This event included seminars on different applications of Ortho-Bionomy, presented by various national and international Instructors, showcasing the diverse knowledge base within our membership.

This conference was also an opportunity for those who have an interest in Ortho-Bionomy through to those who’ve been a practitioner for decades, to meet in community, share ideas and spark inspiration.

Our History

A Brief History of Ortho-Bionomy in New Zealand

Ortho-Bionomy is a gentle and unique system of bodywork developed by osteopath Arthur Lincoln Pauls (1929–1997). In his words, Ortho-Bionomy is “the corrective application of the natural laws of life.”

From its humble beginnings, the practice has grown to be recognised and taught across Australia, Canada, Europe, Japan, New Zealand, South America, and the USA.

Arthur began teaching Ortho-Bionomy in the San Francisco Bay Area in 1976. Though he never visited New Zealand, his influence eventually reached its shores through the work of passionate practitioners.

In the 1990s, Neville Hedges—a New Zealand microbiologist inspired by the philosophy of Ortho-Bionomy—travelled to Canada to study with Arthur. With permission, Neville began demonstrating the techniques at the New Zealand School of Massage in Auckland. He also invited overseas instructors to New Zealand to teach, allowing students to earn formal credits for their studies.

Among the earliest international instructors to visit New Zealand were Zoee Crowley (Hawaii) and Ian Stevenson (Germany/USA). They were followed by Luann Overmyer (USA) in 1995, and Bruce Stark (USA) in 1998. Bruce later relocated to Sydney, where he continues to practise and teach. Christina Montes de Oca, from Santa Fe, New Mexico, was another invited instructor.

The first New Zealanders to train as instructors were Neville Hedges and Katrina Robertson, while now we have a group of New Zealand and overseas instructors listed on our website.  In 2025, three more New Zealand practitioners embarked on the path to become instructors.

Early Ortho-Bionomy classes in New Zealand were centred around Auckland, Hamilton, and Ngatea. The practice expanded when the Wellington School of Massage invited Bruce Stark to teach in the capital. A small group in Christchurch also engaged in learning Ortho-Bionomy from visiting instructors.

The New Zealand Association of Ortho-Bionomists was incorporated in 1995 and later became Ortho-Bionomy New Zealand. It remains a founding member of Natural Health Practitioners New Zealand (NZNHP).

Initially training was conducted under the guidance of the Society of Ortho-Bionomy International Inc. Over time, New Zealand developed its own practitioner training programme.

The Society has always aimed to promote and establish a supportive Ortho-Bionomy community, and to educate practitioners in the principles, philosophy and techniques of the work across Australasia.

Today, qualified practitioners, advanced practitioners, and instructors offer a valuable resource to the New Zealand public. Classes are held regularly throughout the country, with local instructors often inviting overseas teachers to contribute to residentials and special events.

Ortho-Bionomy continues to grow in New Zealand, supported by a committed and passionate community. Across the globe, practitioners carry forward Arthur Pauls’ legacy of healing, creativity, and connection.

Recognition of Service

Our Association would like to acknowledge the many volunteers, both past and present, that have served on our committee.

Their goodwill, dedication and commitment has served to strengthen, sustain and evolve our organisation, and is an investment for the benefit of the wider bodywork community across New Zealand.

Kane Monrad

Rosemary Murray

Elly Numia

Raewyn Ormerod

Philippa Parsons

Anna Renal

Katrina Robertson  Chair

Bruce Stark  Chair

Katrin Stroppel-Jones

Kym Summers

Anyone wising to join the committee, please contact our Secretary.
If your name is not on this list and should be, please contact us.