He Paiaka Tōtara emerged from a time when Māori psychologists had reached a capacity where they were able to contribute to the development of an Indigenous psychology profession. Kaupapa Māori, and Indigenous knowledge had
developed to the extent that Māori psychologists needed to focus their strengths and capacities on Māori. Māori worldviews were increasingly sought for issues of significance for Māori without the opportunity to develop sustainable self- governance that ensured Māori rangatiratanga.
In August 2015 at the annual conference of the New Zealand Psychological Society in Hamilton, a small group identified a need for Māori psychologists to create a space to come together and support each other to grow as Māori psychologists. From this vision, hui and wānanga held since 2016 have provided opportunities to plant the tōtara so that we are able to collectively grow and nurture our aspirations. At the first He Paiaka Tōtara wānanga held in 2016 at Te Tīkanga Marae in Tokorangi in the Manawatū-Whanganui,we agreed to establish a formal entity for Māori psychology. Then in 2018, He Paiaka Tōtara created a waiata and a tongi that consolidates our shared goals of being Māori within psychology, drawing on our pūmanawa and our ūkaipō.
For any questions or to join our membership, please email us at
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