Share your skills and support others through our Mentorship Directory. If you’re an experienced therapist ready to guide colleagues, from new grads to those shifting their practice, we’d love you to put your name forward.  Email admin@massagenewzealand.org.nz to join.

"After 16 years working in marketing and feeling like I wasn’t actually making a difference in the world, I wanted a career that enabled me to help people."

"Whakaute/Respect – it’s at the core of the MANZ Values, and I believe it is therefore the heart of our practice. All other values encompass respect and without it we cannot create strong therapeutic relationships with our clients."

"The ability to listen and truly hear a client’s story, and the willingness to create the space and to take the time to do so. Their story can help us understand how their issue (pain or injury) is affecting them, as well as what they value, and what is meaningful to them. Then we can help them work towards what is actually important to them, not just what we think is important.

 I also believe curiosity is an important skill. Therapists can be more curious by asking more questions, wanting to understand more, learn more, try things, problem-solving and always maintain an open mind. Curiosity also means being comfortable with uncertainty, because nothing is certain when working with another human being.  

Being able to apply touch in ways that provide comfort, safety and a sense of being cared for."

"When I began my career, I thought my diploma and CPD courses were enough education. I did LOTS of CPD courses both in NZ and overseas. Then I attended the International Massage Therapy Research Conference in the USA in 2016 and discovered massage therapists with Master’s degrees and PhDs (not realizing of course that we had some here!)  That’s when I realized there were opportunities for higher education and actual research.

With online learning options, reputable blog sites and social media commentators, and conferences and seminars being held via video conference platforms, massage therapists in New Zealand can access a wealth of evidence-based knowledge. Research conducted into massage therapy expands every year and I’ve witnessed a growing trend here for massage therapists incorporating research into their own evidence-informed practices. This MUST continue if we are to be seen as healthcare professionals rather than just service providers."

"Massage therapy has to hurt to help. When I explain to clients that in most instances, deep, painful pressure can cause muscles to contract, which is the opposite of what we’re trying to achieve, they realize that makes sense."

"By giving them the opportunity to tell me their story, by believing what they say and finding out what they want to achieve from the session that is meaningful to them."

"Working with people who have experienced long-term, complex conditions who feel let down by other healthcare professionals and providing them with a safe space to share their story, feel heard and acknowledge their experience as their reality. Supporting them to regain confidence and hearing when they have returned to activities that are important to them; helping them understand they are the experts of their own body and watching them try things themselves that help."

Rachel’s story reflects the power of curiosity, compassion, and evidence-informed care in shaping meaningful client relationships. Through her dedication to lifelong learning and her commitment to raising standards across the profession, she continues to inspire others to see massage therapy as both art and healthcare. Her recognition as the 2025 Bill Wareham Award recipient celebrates a career devoted to growth, respect, and the advancement of massage therapy in Aotearoa.

As we celebrate members like Rachel, we also invite experienced therapists to step into mentorship. If you’re in a position to guide, support, or share your expertise with newer therapists or those navigating a career shift, consider joining our Mentorship Directory. By connecting with colleagues across regions and experience levels, you can help grow the next generation of skilled, confident, and culturally aware massage professionals.

To learn more or add your name to the directory, contact admin@massagenewzealand.org.nz