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As part of our new Membership Showcase initiative, we’re honoured to profile some of the exceptional individuals who have shaped and continue to enrich the massage therapy profession in Aotearoa.

Ray Gesta is a body therapist working with Refugees As Survivors New Zealand, helping people from refugee backgrounds rebuild a sense of safety in their bodies after trauma and high stress. Inspired to retrain following his own experience of burnout, Ray graduated with a Bachelor of Health Studies in Massage and Neuromuscular Therapy in 2018 and soon after joined MANZ.

Cultural responsiveness is at the heart of his practice, and he builds trust with clients through warmth, hospitality, and respect for their cultural context. For Ray, being part of MANZ provides recognition, high standards of care, and a collective voice for the massage profession.

 To learn more about the important work Ray does with refugee communities, or to support Refugees As Survivors New Zealand, visit their website or Facebook page:
RASNZ Website | RASNZ Facebook 

Inspired by Ray’s story?
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.

Hi, my name is Ray Gesta and I am a body therapist working in refugee mental health. I work for Refugees As Survivors New Zealand, which provides mental health and wellbeing services for people from refugee backgrounds. My role as a body therapist is to help people regain a sense of safety in their bodies after they have been affected by trauma and high stress.

"I was experiencing work burnout which led me to consider a career change. During this time, I was receiving massages to manage my stress and get my body back on track. I connected with a massage therapist and the positive aspects of their massage work. So, it motivated me to study massage, and I decided to pursue it as a new career path. "

"I graduated from the New Zealand College of Massage in 2018 with a Bachelor of Health Studies (in Massage and Neuromuscular Therapy). I did my degree full-time which took 3 years to complete and shortly after that I registered with MANZ."

"I resonate with Cultural Responsiveness as New Zealand is becoming more ethnically diverse. Being culturally competent improves your ability to understand, communicate with and effectively interact with your clients. So that means improved therapist-client relationship, better acceptance of treatments and improved health equity."

"I joined MANZ because I wanted to be recognised as a professional massage therapist who follows high standards of care and ethics. I also wanted to support the massage industry because having a professional association like MANZ creates a sense of legitimacy for our profession as well as recognition from other health professionals."

"Communication skills, Compassion, Adaptability, Manual therapy skills, Continuous learning"

"I stay physically healthy by having good nutrition, strength and conditioning, and sleeping well. I also manage stress by receiving massages, spending time outdoors, and engaging in professional supervision (eg. talk therapy)."

"I began my massage journey in 2015 and research into massage therapy was growing. I noticed more research studies supporting massage, as well as degree programmes incorporating research. As a result, I am seeing massage therapists integrating research into their practice and combining a holistic yet evidence-based approach. "

"Some people associate massages with pain. I'm not sure where this idea came from, but it may be their experience (possibly not a good one). When you see a formally trained therapist, they take a thorough history and assessment to inform your treatment. That way, you have a positive experience that actually helps with your problem rather than making it worse."

"I greet people with a smile and say hello in their language. I create a warm and friendly space and I use open body language in my interactions. I also like to offer a drink before a session starts like water or tea – in some cultures this signifies hospitality and connection."

"I like to be transparent with my clients and explain the process (eg, this is what happens). I give them options and check what would be most comfortable for them. I also let them know they can say yes or no, and they can change their mind at any time. I act as a guide rather than being too directive."

"Yes, I do. Working with refugees comes with lots of complexities. I refer to doctors or psychologists if I have any concerns relating to their presentation."

"Helping others, job satisfaction, improving the quality of life of others, working inter-disciplinary, personal and professional growth"

"Working in a mental health context, you get really good at self-care. You develop self-awareness so that you can keep re-filling your 'cup'. That way you have the energy to continue supporting your clients and enjoy your work."

"Insurance provides protection and peace of mind. Most insurance providers can give a quote on their website. I would choose an insurance package tailored to massage therapists and your business. Other legal considerations are local council requirements and health and safety practices."

NB: MANZ members can access a tailored insurance package through our preferred supplier, BizCover. Designed to meet the specific needs of massage therapists, this package includes professional indemnity and public liability insurance. To get a quote, visit BizCover online or call 0508 249 268. Discount Code is available in the Members Area under Preferred Suppliers.

"I find that when you do a good job, your clients start referring their partners, family or friends. Word-of-mouth advertising is reliable and free. Networking is another option, so try connecting with your local community to promote yourself."

"Build rapport and trust first as people need to feel safe before they get on the massage table."

"Speak with therapists who are already in the massage industry. You can gather plenty of information before you decide to enter the field."

Ray Gesta’s story highlights the profound impact massage therapists can have when combining skill, empathy, and cultural responsiveness. From supporting clients from refugee backgrounds to guiding others through trauma recovery, Ray demonstrates how our profession contributes to wellbeing, connection, and equity in health.

As we celebrate members like Ray, 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