Māori Psychologists
Sustainability for the growing number of Māori psychologists depends on a resilient system that reflects the centrality of Māori knowledge, tikanga, kawa and moemoeā.
He paiaka totara refers to the roots that connect to a totara tree - those roots are the links to individuals and groups of psychologists to keep them/us connected to the source of our Māoritanga - the totara tree.
The totara tree represents our ūkaipō - the source of our cultural knowledge, beliefs and customs (our Māori-ness). We draw strength from the totara, and the totara draws strength through it's roots.
He Paiaka Tipu: Students
We also have a roopu called he paiaka tipu - these are the students coming through psychology training. The totara are the senior psychologists, and the tipu are the tauira - we have a tuakana teina relationship with them. Once they graduate, they join the totara group.
Some iwi (tribal groups) have a custom of returning their baby's pito to the totara to continue the cycle of regeneration. Using this metaphor, He Paiaka Totara offer support, nurturance and strength for students to stand strong as Māori psychologists.
Be Māori, be proud, be connected.
Waiata
Ko ngā ōhāki a ngā tūpuna
kia tū Māori i te ao Turoa
Hei oranga mo te iwi
Waihō mā wairua koe e kawe
Mana atua, mana tūpunua, mana tāngata.
Pūritia ngā tāonga tuku iho - hold fast to the ancient knowledge systems
Manaaki atu, Manaaki mai - To endow reciprocal care
Keria ngā miro mātauranga - Sow the seeds of knowledge
he kai kai aku ringa - as sustenance in my hands (for the world)
Ka pū te ruha, ka hao te rangatahi - planning for succession and future generations
He Paiaka Tipu - Is how the Paiaka grows
He Paiaka Tōtara - Is how Paiaka stands paramount