Challenges and ways forward for bi-cultural psychology and rehabilitation in New Zealand: perspectives from the coalface

Abstract

Bi-cultural practice is a major focus for psychology in New Zealand, due to the intended partnership between indigenous Māori and non-indigenous (Tauiwi) peoples. This aspiration is particularly important within correctional rehabilitation, due to the over-representation of Māori in crime statistics. Despite a clear intention to uplift bi-cultural practice, little is known, beyond anecdotal evidence, about the experiences of rehabilitation practitioners when utilising Māori knowledge alongside Western psychological approaches. This study analysed interviews with rehabilitation practitioners (n = 20) employed by Corrections New Zealand in psychology and rehabilitation-focused roles. The research questions are: (a) How do practitioners conceptualise Western, Māori, and bi-cultural approaches to practice? (b) What are the challenges experienced when using Māori and Western approaches in practice? and (c) What do practitioners believe are ways forward to enhance bi-cultural practice? The themes developed provide insight into bi-cultural practice in this context and how this can be improved in the future.