RANZCP strengthens their commitment to Māori

RANZCP strengthens their commitment to Māori

Nau mai, haere mai e te rangatira ki te Tu Te Akaaka Roa! The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrist (RANZCP) welcomes Mr Wikepa Keelan (Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Kahungungu) as the RANZCP’s new Kaumātua.

Mr Keelan has significant clinical experience and expertise in mental health, having previously practiced as a psychiatric nurse. In addition he has also held a number of senior Māori advisory positions within the public service.

‘Mr Keelan’s knowledge of Te Ao Māori (the Māori world) will provide the RANZCP with strong cultural leadership,’ said Dr Rees Tapsell (Ngāti Whakaue) Chair of Te Kaunihera mo ngā Hauora hinengaro Māori

‘Much of Mr Keelan role will focus on advising on mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge), tikanga and kawa (protocol). We are particularly pleased that Mr Keelan will be able to tautoko (support) us with cultural events associated with this year’s RANZCP Congress in Auckland,’ Dr Tapsell said.

Dr Mark Lawrence (Te Rarawa) Chair of the New Zealand National Committee added ‘Tu Te Akaaka Roa - The New Zealand National Committee is looking forward to working with Mr Keelan. He will ensure a Te Ao Māori perspective is incorporated into the RANZCP’s submissions that are being developed in response to the current Government inquires.

‘The RANZCP is committed to improving cultural competency amongst its members and Mr Keelan will play a key role in contributing to this mahi (work).

‘It is critical we have a Kaumātua who will not only support the RANZCP’s work, but also provide a rich cultural resource for the RANZCP’s membership (fellows and affiliates), Māori psychiatrists and trainees,’ Dr Lawrence said

Mr Keelan will begin his position of Kaumātua at the RANZCP on February 6 2018.

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