In the beginning - what massage could do

The problem of informing the public about “What massage could do” had exercised the minds of members since early days.  Always up with the times,  the Secretary suggested in 1929 that “broadcasting over the wireless” should be done by members.  Until 1948 the only information disseminated about the Society came from sporadic efforts by branch secretaries.  Biennial Conferences did receive good press coverage.  Auckland Branch produced a booklet for doctors in 1962 setting out methods of treatment and their application,  but this did not receive wholehearted support from other ranches[1]. 

Realisation of the need for Public Relations gradually increased over the years,  starting in a small way in the 1970’s when a pamphlet about the Society for prospective members was printed in 1972.

The NZSP decided in 1973 it needed to take positive steps to improve its public relations and decided the President,  or 2 members of Executive should release press statements.  Funding was always a problem,  with many members not convinced of the need to fund Public Relations and Marketing.  The issue of publicity came up at several Executive meetings in 1975,  various suggestions not followed up were a pamphlet to be in Doctor’s waiting rooms,  and a physiotherapy week.  Joan Derbridge felt that the appointment for one year of a professional Public Relations Officer would “put the Society on the map”.  The question of a Public Relations Officer was again brought up in early 1976,  Michael Lamont outlined a comprehensive programme which would involve an increase in subscriptions of $50. 

Helen Patterson suggested the Society involve itself in a TV2 programme  “Access”.  This idea simmered for the next two years,  and the programme was finally made in April 1978.

By the early 1980’s some members and branches made efforts to instigate Public Relations.  Canterbury branch prepared a Physiotherapy Brochure,  but not everyone agreed this was the best way forward.  Hopes for sponsorship of the pamphlet came to nothing.  A Public Relations survey was conducted in 1981 to medical practitioners and paramedics in Waikato[2].  Congratulations cards were sent to new graduates in 1981,  with the card being redesigned in 1985.  This practise has continued,  todays new graduates receive congratulatory letters.

The Society set guidelines on Public Relations in February 1983,   with a sub-committee being formed during the year of Barbara Hetherington,  Heather Martindale and Christine Staniforth (Chair).  Ros Ham had a brochure ready in July 1983 on “Physiotherapy a Caring Profession”.  A draft of this was ready by November 1983.

By July 1983 Canterbury Branch were making progress on the awareness of the medical profession and medical students.  It was felt that increasing awareness of the medical profession should be taken to the next stage.  The programme was sent to Heads of Departments who have medical students coming to them in July 1984.

[1] Enid Anderson “The Golden Years” page 82

[2] NZJP April 1981 page 14