Aims of the Aotearoa New Zealand Association for Cognitive Behavioural Therapies 

1. To support the practice of Cognitive Behavioural Therapies within Aotearoa New Zealand whilst acting as a liaison with international Cognitive Behavioural Therapy organisations and associations to support the wider international practice and community of Cognitive Behavioural Therapies.

2. To promote and increase access to Cognitive Behavioural Therapies for service-users and the public of Aotearoa New Zealand by:

a. promoting the development of the theory and practice of Cognitive Behavioural Therapies, particularly in relation to our own specific cultural needs within Aotearoa New Zealand, through training, research and the sharing of resources

b. providing supportive regional and national forums for practitioners to meet in order to receive training and share knowledge and resources

c. providing easily accessible and understandable information regarding the benefits, considerations and general functions of Cognitive Behavioural Therapies to service-users, whanau, local and national bodies and the public of Aotearoa New Zealand.

3. To be an inclusive Association, embracing participation and collaboration from a variety of mental health professions, service-users, family, whanau, cultural and ethnic groups and the wider community.

4. To recognise the bi-cultural basis of Aotearoa New Zealand and commit to fostering the spirit and upholding the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi whilst also supporting the diversity of other cultures within Aotearoa New Zealand. 

5. To protect service-users and the public by promoting the safe and effective use of Cognitive Behavioural Therapies through ensuring practicing members meet a set of standards and code of conduct.

6. To be a trusted and reputable national resource for Cognitive Behavioural Therapies within Aotearoa New Zealand by holding and disseminating current, evidence-based research and information on Cognitive Behavioural Therapies, providing consultation and collaborating with national organisations and bodies to build capacity and increase access to Cognitive Behavioural Therapies within Aotearoa New Zealand. 

7. To be a trusted and reputable national resource for members of the Association by providing supportive regional and national forums, disseminating current, evidence-based research and information on Cognitive Behavioural Therapies by providing an international academic journal (Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy published by the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies), and regular Association updates.

8. To work towards providing minimum standards for accreditation in order to promote a set of national qualifications for the role of the Cognitive Behavioural Therapist, ensuring service-users can access Cognitive Behavioural Therapies from skilled and qualified therapists.