Our Story
We are a registered charity governed by the Trust Board of the New Zealand Sexual and Reproductive Health Educational Charitable Trust (NZSRHECT).
Our History
Our beginnings started in 2002, when the New Zealand Sexual and Reproductive Health Educational Charitable Trust formed to provide a training pathway for doctors with a special interest in sexual and reproductive health. The Trust was comprised a joint committee of representatives of Family Planning New Zealand, the New Zealand Sexual Health Society and The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. Graduates of the training programme were awarded the Diploma in Sexual and Reproductive Health (DipSex) and obtained vocational registration in the specialist scope of family planning and reproductive health with the Medical Council of New Zealand.
In 2018, the New Zealand Sexual and Reproductive Health Educational Charitable Trust Board formed a specialist medical college, the New Zealand College of Sexual and Reproductive Health to represent the specialty of sexual and reproductive health in New Zealand
Since its formation in 2018, the college has developed a new advanced training programme which is undergoing accreditation by the Medical Council of New Zealand for vocational registration in the specialist scope of family planning and reproductive health.
We also offer associate membership for health professionals working in sexual and reproductive health, such as nurses, midwives and GPs.
Raranga (weaving) is central to our story
Sexual and reproductive health clinicians weave together their skills, knowledge and experience to provide specialised care. Each strand of flax (harakeke) represents a skill woven into our basket (kete) of specialised care.
Kikorangi
represents Te Ao Mārama / the realm of light
Te Ao Mārama is needed to flourish or gain health (hauora).
NZCSRH's vision is to provide culturally safe, Te tiriti-informed, access to safe, high quality sexual and reproductive health care
Kakariki
Kakariki represents the koru
The koru is a symbol of new life, continuity and hope for the future.
Our values are partnership and equity, respect and empowerment, diversity and inclusivity.
We are committed to honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
Karaka
represents the rich clay of Hineahuone
The origin stories (pūrākau) of many Atua Wāhine contain deep connections to sexual and reproductive health. These feature in NZCSRH training in te ao Māori as it relates to sexual and reproductive healthcare.
Pango
represents Te Korekore (potential being)
Sexual and reproductive health is a space where there is potential for growth, improvement and change. Our health practitioners navigate this space and continuously strive for improved sexual and reproductive health for all people of Aotearoa.
NZCSRH's mission is to promote excellence in sexual and reproductive health (SRH) through leadership, training, and collaboration.