Remembering The Past Guides Our Future

The theme of this year’s Psychology Week from 11–17 May is Moemoeā: Remember the past and dream for the future.

Psychology Week is marked each year by the New Zealand Psychological Society (NZPsS) to showcase the ways psychology can be used in everyday life to help people, whānau and communities find ways to increase their psychological wellbeing. The Society runs public events as well as events for members on topics connected to the theme.

NZPsS president Dr Rebecca Wirihana says this year’s theme is a reminder that we need to understand our history, ancestors and past experiences to successfully navigate and inform the future.

“The theme draws on a Māori understanding of time, in which we carry our past into the future. The past is central to and shapes our current and future identity.”

She said this awareness informs practice for psychologists, who need to understand their own cultural heritage and past, so they can best relate to and support clients within their cultural and historic context.

“The theme also reminds members of the public that exploring your family history and your own past experiences can support your wellbeing today and support you in achieving your hopes and dreams for the future.”

There are two free online events for members of the public to join, as well as kawhe and kōrero opportunities around the motu.

Holding both: Grief and hope in a changing world is a free online workshop on Wednesday 13 May from 12–1pm by Gabrielle Feather, a PhD candidate focusing on the mental health impacts of ecological crises. This workshop explores how people can stay psychologically well and connected to what matters in the face of uncertainty and change. It will include working with climate-related distress. Find out more and register here.

Making sense of sleep: What works and why is a free online workshop from 4–5.30pm on Saturday 16 May with sleep psychologist Dr Nicola Cann. This workshop offers a practical and evidence-based way to understand and improve sleep. You’ll learn the key biological and psychological drivers of sleep, why common problems happen, and which changes tend to make the biggest difference. Find out more and register here.

Kawhe and kōrero sessions hosted by the Institute of Educational and Developmental Psychology (IEDP), an institute of the NZPsS. IEDP is the professional organisation that supports psychologists concerned with the learning and wellbeing of young people in Aotearoa. Its members work primarily with children and young people in learning environments, and their whānau.

The kawhe and kōrero sessions are for any members of the public who would like to learn more about educational psychology. People can pop in for a free kawhe in Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington, Tauranga Moana, Te Papaioea Palmerston North, Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland and Ōtautahi Christchurch. Find out the details here.

In addition, the Institute for Community Psychology Aotearoa (IComPA) invites students and friends of community psychology to join them for a coffee in Kirikiriroa Hamilton and Tauranga Moana at 10.30am Friday 15 May for a free drink, chat and celebration of our past and future. Find out the details here.

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