Huygens, I. (1999). An accountability model for Pakeha practitioners. In Robertson, N. (Ed). Māori and psychology: Research and practice. Proceedings of a symposium sponsored by the Māori & Psychology Research Unit, Department of Psychology, University of Waikato, Hamilton, Thursday 26th August 1999 (pp.16-20). Hamilton, New Zealand: Māori and Psychology Research Unit, University of Waikato.
Abstract
This paper outlines a model of accountability for Pakeha practitioners developed over many years
as a practising community psychologist involved in research and development projects in Aotearoa
in the 1980s and 1990s, during an era of contract-funded health projects, and increasing
prominence of the Treaty of Waitangi2. The model could be termed 'transformative' in that it
reverses the usual flow of power by making the Pakeha practitioner accountable to relevant Maori
authority, and maximises the potential for new outcomes and new learning for all parties. A brief
case study is outlined where the model placed a local iwi governance structure and a national
psychiatric survivor organisation in positions of authority alongside the funder of a mental health
project. Helpful conditions, positive outcomes and barriers to transformative accountability
processes are briefly discussed.
Publisher
Maori and Psychology Research Unit, University of Waikato
