As Dr. Hinemoa Elder nears the end of her distinguished career as a psychiatrist, she delivers a stark warning: New Zealand’s mental health system is under unprecedented strain, and we urgently need more resources to weather these turbulent times. With global crises piling up and local challenges intensifying, she reflects, 'At 60, I’ve never seen a more daunting convergence of global and local horrors in my lifetime.' But here's where it gets controversial—she believes Indigenous approaches, particularly Māori practices, hold untapped potential to address mental health struggles in ways Western methods often overlook.
This month, Dr. Elder joins award-winning poet Dr. Marama Salsano at HamLit in the Hamilton Arts Festival, where they’ll explore the powerful intersection of culture, creativity, and mental well-being. Their discussions will draw from Dr. Elder’s upcoming 2025 book, Ara, A Māori Guidebook of the Mind. 'This could be a game-changer for many attendees,' she hints. 'When we encounter perspectives rooted in a Māori worldview, it challenges our defenses and opens doors to new possibilities, freedoms, and ways of understanding ourselves.'
And this is the part most people miss—before becoming a psychiatrist, Dr. Elder was a children’s television presenter, a role she cherishes as a 'fortunate time.' Reflecting on her past, she notes, 'Live kids’ TV is virtually extinct now, so it was a unique era. I had a blast, made lifelong friends, and honed skills that still serve me today.' That passion for engaging young minds seamlessly transitioned into her psychiatric work, where she’s become a champion for understanding the perspectives of tamariki (children) and whānau (family).
'I adore working with kids and teenagers,' she shares. 'Their playfulness and challenges keep me on my toes. I strive to see the world through their eyes and consider the unseen influences shaping their experiences—influences that are rapidly evolving in today’s world.'
But here’s the provocative question: Are we truly integrating Indigenous wisdom into mental health care, or are we clinging to Western frameworks that may not serve everyone? Dr. Elder’s work invites us to rethink our approaches. What do you think? Is it time to embrace Māori and other Indigenous practices more fully in mental health care? Let’s spark a conversation in the comments—your perspective matters.
