Journal Article

Mana Wāhine, Mauri Ora: Decolonising Psychological Practice in Aotearoa

Gerbic, Jessica, Muriwai, Emerald

2025

Overview

Me aro koe ki te hā o Hine-ahu-one – “pay heed to the dignity and power of women” Wāhine Māori (Māori women) reflect the intricate balance between life and death; the above whakataukī refers to the creation of the first Wahine Māori (Māori woman) in the flesh, and her transcendence from Te Ao Wairua (the spiritual world) to Te Ao Marama (the physical world). Wāhine Māori remain inherently tapu (sacred) within Te Ao Māori (a Māori world view) given our many roles, our kaha (strength) and our mana (prestige). Yet on our own whenua (land) we continue to be demarcated, diminished and disrespected by systems and frameworks within health and psychology that fail to reconcile our unique standing. This article explores the intersections of the field of psychology and its response to Wāhine Māori, centring the perspectives of two Wāhine Māori Kaimātai Hauora Hinengaro (Clinical Psychologists). We address the imminent need for redress to reposition psychology within Aotearoa New Zealand in a way that is responsive to the needs and aspirations of Wāhine Māori.