Waka Oranga: The Development of an Indigenous Professional Organisation within a Psychotherapeutic Discourse in Aotearoa New Zealand

Abstract

This article discusses the development in Aotearoa New Zealand of a fledgling Māori professional organisation, Waka Oranga, which is engaged in providing Indigenous healing and psychotherapeutic support to Māori families who experience trauma and discontent in their lives, and supervision and consultancy to Māori and non-Māori professionals. The article sets this development in context, discusses the symbolism of the organisation’s name and logo, summarises its organisational structure, values and processes, and concludes with its principles and vision.