How far are we with Indigenising psychology training curriculum in Aotearoa New Zealand?

Abstract

The over-reliance on Western, Educated, Industrialised, Rich, and Democratic (WEIRD) paradigms and perspectives in psychology has concerned many scholars in Aotearoa New Zealand.1–3 The importation of European and North American knowledge sources, and the subsequent normalisation of WEIRD psychology in Aotearoa, exemplify settler colonialism that perpetuates institutional racism through the ongoing prioritisation of Eurocentric knowledge systems in the teaching of psychology, training of psychologists and delivery of psychological services.1,2,4 The dominance of WEIRD psychology under a monocultural lens results in ignorance and apathy in relation to the diverse realities and aspirations of Indigenous and minoritised cultural groups.1,2 Consequently, Māori are in a constant struggle to exert tino rangatiratanga (self-determination) and ensure that the knowledge production and practices of psychology align with he tirohanga Māori (a Māori worldview).