TE TIRITI O WAITANGI

Toitū Te Tiriti.

 

Apology for harm caused to Māori by racism and monoculturalism in psychology

On 2 October 2026, the New Zealand Psychological Society and the New Zealand College of Clinical Psychologists delivered a formal apology at Pipitea Marae for the harm caused to Māori by racism and monoculturalism within the discipline of psychology in Aotearoa.

The New Zealand Psychologists Board was privileged to be present to witness the apology and acknowledges its significance for psychology in Aotearoa. The Board encourages psychologists to read and reflect on the apology and the supporting information

Apology to Māori for racism and monoculturalism in psychology

FAQ about the apology for racism in psychology harming Māori

Apology to Māori references, resources and background reading

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Te Poari Kaimātai Hinengaro o Aotearoa | New Zealand Psychologists Board (NZPB) is committed to its obligations and responsibilities to Te Tiriti o Waitangi as a Responsible Authority appointed under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003.

NZPB recognises that the great number of iwi signed the original version of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, whereas only a few iwi signed the Treaty of Waitangi (second version). The Crown signed both. There are significant differences between these two documents. NZPB acknowledges that kawanatanga and tino rangatiratanga have different and even opposite meanings to both Māori and the Crown.

NZPB acknowledges and accepts that Te Tiriti o Waitangi:

  • Establishes the unique and special relationship between Māori and the Crown.
  • Is the foundation of relationships between tangata whenua and tangata tiriti.
  • Recognises oranga hinengaro of service user/client/tangata whenua and their whānau.
  • Recognises Māori models of care, rongoa, mirimiri and traditional healings.
  • Elevates the use of mātauranga Māori.

As a Responsible Authority, NZPB is committed to fulfilling the articles and principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi:

  • Through the governorship and operations of the Board, and is accountable to the Minister.
  • Takes account of the Board’s membership and their opinions.
  • Maintains positive relationships with other psychology groups.
  • Through the provision of delivery of services that are equitable, accessible, appropriate, and acceptable to whānau, hapū and iwi, and use of mātauranga Māori.
  • Allows tangata, whānau, hapū, and iwi to express their mana Motuhake.
  • Assists in the recruitment and retention of a Māori workforce.
  • Provides opportunities for training in Te Tiriti o Waitangi, te reo Māori, tikanga best practices, and cultural safety.

NZPB ensures that:

  • Services, administrations, consultations, representations, and advice are conducted in sensitive and culturally safe manners so that individuals and their families/whānau feel supported and protected.
  • Board members, secretariat, contractors, and volunteers feel safe and secure in the knowledge that their individual values, tikanga, beliefs, matauranga Māori and cultural wishes are acknowledged and respected.

Resources