The New Zealand Psychological Society highlighted the importance of psychologists to the community’s wellbeing, and the
need to care for and recognize those in the profession, at its recent virtual conference.
Dr Sonja Macfarlane, an Associate Professor at the University of Canterbury, was awarded this year’s Dame Marie Clay
Award. Veronica Pitt, executive director of the society, says the selection panel found Dr Macfarlane exemplifies the
spirit of Dame Marie Clay with her work to enhance the quality of educational and developmental psychology.
“She has infused her work with the Māori understanding that people, their mana, and identity, grow and are nurtured
within their network of relationships,” the panel said. “Central to all her teaching is her desire to demonstrate the
processes and pathways within te ao Māori that enable children and young people to learn and mature into the best they
can be.”
Dr Macfarlane was one of four award winners and several fellows announced at the society’s annual conference earlier
this month. Other award winners include Dr Roxanne Heffernan and doctoral students Ririwai Fox and Charlotte Bremer.
Dr Heffernan, who won the GV Goddard Early Career Award, is a Teaching Fellow at Victoria University. Her work is
leading the way to help develop better tools to predict offending and reoffending in individuals. “Dr Heffernan’s work
in the field of corrections and forensic psychology has been recognized as influential and she is applauded for
challenging assumptions and practices, leading to better treatment and improved quality of life for those in
Corrections,” the selection panel said.
Ririwai Fox, a doctoral student at Victoria University, and Charlotte Bremer, a doctoral student at Massey University,
are the recipients of the Society’s prestigious scholarships.
The Karahipi Tumuaki President’s Scholarship recognises Māori-centred research of value to the Māori community. “Ririwai
Fox’s research sheds light on a person’s right to ‘be Māori’ through their whakapapa and their propensity to ‘being
Māori’ through their behaviours by introducing the concept of cultural embeddedness,” the panel said. “His work
exploring cultural embeddedness provides a unique insight into Māori cultural values and their influence on the
behaviour of Māori people.”
Charlotte Bremer’s Postgraduate Student Social Justice Research Scholarship is to support students researching
significant issues of social justice.
“Restorative justice seeks to address the harm caused by criminal behaviour. It can help to meet the needs of the
victim/survivor and has also been shown to reduce the likelihood of reoffending,” the panel said. “Charlotte’s research
seeks to develop structured guidelines to assess psychological risk and personal readiness to engage in the process to
avoid potential harm and provide the best opportunity for positive outcomes. Her work has wide implications both within
New Zealand and internationally.”
The society has four new Fellows and one Honorary Fellow.Fiona Howard – previously Senior Tutor, University of Auckland, now Clinical Psychologist in private practice.Dr Rose Black – Poverty Action Waikato & Waikato District Health BoardDr Waikaremoana Waitoki – Senior Lecturer, University of WaikatoProfessor Angus Macfarlane – previously University of Canterbury, now RetiredAssociate Professor Carla Houkamau – University of Auckland (Hon Fellow)
“This year’s Fellows have all made a substantial contribution to the advancement of psychological knowledge and practice
in New Zealand,” says Veronica Pitt. “Their work encompasses clinical psychology, community psychology, indigenous
psychology and, educational psychology and they have each shown leadership, guidance and, mentorship that has helped
shape thought leadership within their disciplines.”
In keeping with the He Ara Oranga report recommendation to increase the psychology workforce, these awards, scholarships
and Fellowships exemplify the Society and psychology’s commitment to advancing wellbeing for New Zealand and to
nurturing the next generation of psychologists.