Waikaremoana Waitoki is a Research Officer in the Māori and Psychology Research Unit (MPRU) at the University of Waikato. She is also a Clinical Psychologist specialising in mental health.

She is one of the Bicultural Directors for the New Zealand Psychological Society and the Co-convenor of the National Standing Committee on Bicultural Issues (NSCBI). Her broad interests are in mental health, cultural competency, curriculum development, cultural supervision, indigenous psychology and research. Waikaremoana advocates for kaupapa Māori inclusion in all parts of psychology education and practice. She holds a nidan grade in Kyokushin karate, competes in full-contact fighting tournaments and also instructs rumaki-tamariki karate classes and adult classes.

Ngāti Hako Ngāti Māhanga
University of Waikato

Related Projects

Internship project

Project commenced:

Mātauranga Māori in psychology: Contributions to an Indigenous Psychology

Intern: Kendrex Kereopa-Woon

Supervisor: Dr Waikaremoana Waitoki

University of Waikato

Internship project

Project commenced:

Establishing the maternal gaze: The 4th trimester and life outside the womb

Pregnancy is well known as consisting of 3 gestational periods; however very little research has been conducted that explores the postpartum, 4th trimester. The 4th trimester refers to the 3 month period post-birth, and may extend up to a year depending on social, physical and emotional issues related to birthing and motherhood. The 4th trimester is crucial for the psycho-social development of babies as they adjust to their new life outside the womb.

Full project

Project commenced:

Challenges and continuities: Unintended impacts of Te Reo Māori language revitalisation efforts

We are now 30+ years on from when our children first had the opportunity to attend Kōhanga. They are a part of a fortunate generation, like those who will follow them. And so too are those that are following. But what of those older Māori, their parents and grandparents, some of who do speak te reo but many who do not? What challenges to tikanga, age related roles and relationships do these demographics present? Status, mana, roles, responsibilities, ritual duties and leadership are all age related concepts that, in the Māori world, assume a foundation of learning that leads to experience, competence and accumulated wisdom over time.