Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently we get questions from the Public and non-members. If your question is not listed below, or if the answer is not adequate for your needs, please contact the Executive Officer at pnzexec@ihug.co.nz.

Where can I find a podiatrist near me?
You can search our database for PNZ members. You can also search at www.findapodiatrist.org or look up “Podiatrists” in the Yellow Pages.
Is a referral needed to be seen by a Podiatrist?
No. You can just call in or phone up to make an appointment. If a physiotherapist, doctor or nurse does refer you to a Podiatrist, remember to take your referral letter to your appointment.
What does it cost to be seen by a podiatrist?
The cost of treatment varies from practice to practice. The Commerce Act prevents Podiatry New Zealand giving any guidance on fees. However, some people qualify for assistance from WINZ or their local DHB.
Are Podiatrists registered with ACC?
Podiatrists are allowed to register with ACC. Some podiatrists have signed a Cost of Treatment contract with ACC which means you will pay little or no additional fee. For practitioners not on that system, there is likely to be a part-charge for you to pay.
What causes foot pain?
Foot pain can be caused by many things, from corns or verrucae through to biomechanical factors which alter the way a person walks or runs. More details can be found at www.fipnet.org.
Who should use a podiatrist?
Anyone with a lower-limb complaint. Whether it is difficulty caring for nails and callous, or a desire to do better in a sporting activity. Leg pain, hip pain, knee pain and, of course, foot pain – all these can be investigated by a podiatrist.
What is the difference between a Podiatrist and a chiropodist?
There is no difference between a Podiatrist and a Chiropodist. The name was changed in New Zealand in the early 1970s in order to align New Zealand with the rest of the world. The term Chiropodist was coined in the 1700s when an Englishman translated a book on foot care word-for-word from French into English. He decided hi s contribution would be to combine the Greek for hand and foot (chiro) with the Latin for foot (pod) – hence chiropody. The word podiatry is pure Latin and is made up of pod (foot) and iatra (physician).
What are the training requirements and costs?
The registration Board approves training courses and sets the annual recertification fee. The New Zealand-based training course is based at the AUT in Auckland. Details of the course can be found at http://www.aut.ac.nz/schools/podiatry/
How do I join Podiatry New Zealand and how much does it cost?
Complete the online membership form or print off the membership form and post it to PO Box 9893, Marion Square, Wellington 6141. The fee schedule forms part of the application form. If you want to join but have financial challenges, you may send a written application to PNZ Executive requesting a reduced subscription based ion hardship. All applications for hardship are treated in the strictest confidence.
Can you tell me some travel tips?
Travel of any kind (plane, train, automobile) usually requires some extra walking and sitting. Keep these tips in mind for more comfortable travel.

If you are experiencing any pain, problems or discomfort with your feet or ankles, visit a podiatrist. Foot pain is not normal, and should be looked at before travelling anywhere.
To condition your feet and legs, begin a walking program at least four weeks before your trip. Wear the shoes you intend to travel with and include inclines in your walks if you destination includes hilly terrain.
Review your travel itinerary and activities to determine the types of shoes you should pack.
Take a couple of pairs of supportive, comfortable shoes and plenty of comfortable socks so they can be changed frequently. Try not to take shoes that have never been worn.
When travelling, periodically flex your feet at the ankles and wiggle your toes. Unlace your shoes if your feet swell. Keep your legs uncrossed and move around if possible (especially during airline travel, get up and move around for each hour you are on the plane).
Be prepared for minor foot problems - pack adhesive bandages, talcum powder, antibiotic or first-aid cream, tweezers and nail clippers in your toiletry bag.
If you injure your foot or ankle during your travels, seek professional advice from a podiatrist. People often incorrectly assume that if a toe is broken it doesn't require immediate attention. Use the internet to contact an FIP podiatrist where are located (www.fipnet.org).
Limit walking barefoot to safe sandy beaches or pool areas. Walking barefoot exposes your feet to sunburn as well as plant wart viruses, athlete's foot and other infections.
In sunny weather, regularly apply sunscreen to the tops of your feet.
Treat your feet well after a long day of sightseeing, shopping or hiking - massage them and keep them elevated.
Source: International Federation of Podiatrists
How do I advertise in your newsletter and on your website?
Footprints is a bimonthly publication sent to 200+ members. Publication dates are February, April, June,
August, October and December.
Advertising rates are listed below. The deadline for advertising is the first Friday of the distribution month. Please note, "Footprints" is now an electronic newsletter, so we no loger include flyers. We have a classifieds section on our website, and an electronic form of a flyer could be accommodated on that section using the "display rates" listed below.
What I require for your advertising to go ahead is:
- Text and graphics (if any)
- Selection of size and price
- Pre-payment before your advertising is printed. We accept payment via Mastercard or
Visa, cheque or bank draft.
Costs (from June 2009) are as follows (GST excluded):
Members may advertise in "Footprints". Text-only: up to 60 words is free, with a charge of $1 + GST per word above that. If graphics are included, please see the display ad rates below.
Non-members may adverise at $2 + GST per word, with a minimum of 30 words. If graphics are included, please see the display ad rates below.
All display ads: may be lodged at the following rates:
6.5 x 6cm $75
6.5 x 10cm $95
6.5 x 12cm $150
6.5 x 15cm $185
6.5 x 18cm $270
13.5 x 6cm $370
13.5 x 12cm $480
13.5 x 18cm $750 or $2,250 (6 issues per year cost)
If you have any further queries, please let me know.
Wayne Tucker
Executive Officer
Podiatry New Zealand
0800 769393
pnzexec@ihug.co.nz
www.podiatry.org.nz