Psychology in Aotearoa New Zealand – Shaping the Future

Dr Pamela HydeExecutive Director

Jack AustinImmediate Past President

Department of PsychologyUniversity of Otago

7 March, 2011

About the New Zealand Psychological Society

• Established 1947 and later as a stand alone incorporated society in 1967

• 1200 members and subscribers• Governed by an elected Executive• National Office in Wellington• Branches and special interest institutes and

groups

The NZPsS ExecutivePresident Frank O’Connor

President – ElectPeter Coleman

Director of Scientific Affairs Dr Mei Williams

Director of Professional Affairs Joanne Cunningham

Director of Professional Development and Training Dr Kerry Gibson

Director of Social Issues Iris Fontanilla

Director of Bicultural IssuesDr Rose Black

Director of Bicultural IssuesMoana Waitoki

Past PresidentJack Austin

KaumatuaHuata Holmes

NZPsS National OfficeDr Pamela HydeExecutive Director

Debra RidgwayExecutive Officer

Heike AlbrechtProfessional Development Co-ordinator

Donna MacdonaldMembership Administrator

NZPsS Institutes & Divisions

The Society’s ObjectsPromoting• Psychology as a science and profession• Psychological knowledge applied to social justice

issues• High standards of ethical and professional service• Research, teaching and practice• Responsiveness of the Society to the Treaty of

Waitangi• The interests of the profession by being responsive

to its members

Who belongsThe Society represents psychologists from a diverse range of sub-disciplines and work environments e.g.

These include• Student psychologists• Academic and research psychologists• Postgraduate students studying psychology and intern psychologists• Clinical psychologists• Community psychologists• Criminal justice/ forensic/ Family Court psychologists• Counselling psychologists• Developmental and child psychologists• Educational psychologists• Health psychologists• Industrial and organisational psychologists• Kaupapa Māori psychologists• Neuropsychologists• Social psychologists• Sports psychologists

Why members belong

• Collegiality/ networking• Communication/ information• Professional development/ resources• Representation/ Advocacy• International links• Encouraging ethical practice• Awards, scholarships and prizes• Bicultural partnership with Māori• Referral database• Indemnity insurance

Helping to shape the future of psychology

Being visible and being heard through• Position statements• Submissions• Media releases/ media inquiries• Website postings• Representation• Meeting with ministers, ministry

officials• Publications

Being visible and having a voice on professional and social justice issues

• Ministry of Health – role of psychology in primary mental health care, mental health staffing issues, HPCA issues, incentives for health professionals in hard to staff areas, non pharmaceutical treatment of depression

• Ministry of Education – number and restricted role of educational psychologists

Being visible contd.

• Department of Corrections – boot camps – youth crime needs a qualified workforce

• Health Workforce New Zealand – intern psychologist training places

• ACC – operational issues and strategic issues – sensitive claims clinical pathway, supervision for branch advisory psychologists

Being visible contd.

• Ministry of Justice – Sec 59, Rehabilitation, care and protection of child offenders, approaches to youth crime, qualifications for counselling children through the Family Court

• New Zealand Guidelines Group – input into guidelines e.g. ASD

• Te Pou – Psychologist workforce issues

Being visible contd.

• Psychologists Board – scopes of practice, workforce issues, translation of the Code of Ethics into Māori, issues relating to the continuing competence audit

• Select committees – Alcohol Reform Bill

• Linking with the Mental Health Commission, Mental Health Foundation, New Zealand College of Clinical Psychologists

The Society

• Is proactive as well as responsive• Hears the concerns of members and voices

these• Recognises and uses the considerable skills of

its members• Comment and advice on a range of issues now

sought• Forms alliances when this important e.g. NZCCP,

annual social event etc.

In summary: What the Society offers academics

• Peer reviewed publishing opportunities• International connections• Annual conference• Honours and Awards• Networking opportunities• Advocacy and influencing

In summary: What the Society offers Students

• Two subscriber options• Collegiality and networking• Reduced rates for conference and professional

development opportunities• Access to professional publications and opportunities to

contribute• Free indemnity insurance whilst intern psychologist• 50% reduction in first year of NZPsS membership• Being part of an organisation which represents your

interests

In Conclusion

• The Society is a proactive, collegial and professional organisation. Our aim is to be responsive to our members and provide quality services and benefits.

• We have developed an excellent reputation for providing sound opinion and advice on professional and social justice issues

• Our aim is to grow and develop our strengths in supporting and advancing psychology in Aotearoa New Zealand