Psychology in Aotearoa New Zealand

Abstract

This chapter surveys psychology in Aotearoa New Zealand, its beginnings, current shape and future challenges. Psychology was first taught here in 1869, emerging slowly into public consciousness during the early 1900s, largely influenced by Britain, Europe and America. Despite the agreements of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, the Treaty of Waitangi, for partnership with Māori, they had no part in the early development of psychology in Aotearoa New Zealand, with their cultural values often denigrated by European settlers. Substantive production of psychological research was very limited until the latter half of the twentieth century. Professional training programmes began emerging in the mid-twentieth century and initially provisioned government sectors of education, corrections and secondary mental health, with more recent years seeing some diversification in preparation and range of services offered by psychologists. Indigenous psychology is yet in early stages of development and registered psychologists who are Māori/Pasifika continue to be under-represented. In addition, increased immigration has brought multicultural needs to the fore. Continuing attention to supporting partnerships for the diversity of practice and culture is seen as the path leading toward better responses to societal needs in Aotearoa New Zealand society.