Ngā Kūaha

"Ngā Kūaha is an essential read for those seeking to understand both Māori and Western knowledge within mental health. The authors have placed people at the forefront. Wiremu’s personal narratives open the kūaha (Doorway) to a profound exploration of mental health from his Māori perspective, while Allister and David articulate a wealth of experience from their western mental health stand points. This book offers a captivating journey, showing the beauty of mātauranga Māori alongside western psychiatric insights." -- Rikki Solomon, Tohunga, Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Kahu ki Whangaroa, Rangitāne o Tāmaki-nui-o-rua.

"With a moving narrative and insightful reflections, Ngā Kūaha provides an invaluable view into Te Ao Māori, Māori mental health, and wairua. Allister and Wiremu's collaboration offers a profound exploration into the experiences of Māori grappling with hallucinations and other mental phenomena, showcasing a partnership that illuminates their unique journeys and perspectives. This book confronts broader societal and historical factors influencing psychiatric practice, adding layers of depth that invites meaningful discourse. I wholeheartedly endorse and recommend Ngā Kūaha to anyone involved in psychiatry, mental health, and wellness. I also believe this text holds immense value for those seeking a broader comprehension of mental health and the holistic approaches deeply rooted in Te Ao Māori." -- Professor Joanne Baxter, Poutini Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō, Professor of Māori Health; Dean, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Te Whare Wānanga o Otāgo, New Zealand

"In Ngā Kūaha, alongside Maori healing and psychiatry perspectives, the voices of those with their own experience of hearing voices and seeing visions come through clearly. As a voice hearer myself, the knowledge they share tells me that even in those dark and terrifying spaces, it is possible to find a way through. For me, the power of this book is the hope contained in their narratives and the opportunity to connect with mātauranga Māori." -- Jason Haitana, Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Maruwharanui, Te Ati Haunui a Pāpārangi, Principal Advisor, Lived Experience, Te Aka Whai Ora (Maori Health Authority).

"This book is such an important resource. It should be read by every clinician who works with Māori who experience voices and visions. It is written in down-to-earth language, with clear examples and explanations and I would recommend it to those of us who have these experiences as well. It helps to explain our relationship with Wairua in a very real way, reclaiming the spiritual landscape that was almost lost with colonization. I enjoyed the kōrero about prophets and saints of other cultures. It is time to de-medicalize spiritual experiences and learn to understand them instead." -- Adrienne Giacon- Chairperson Hearing Voices Network Aotearoa New Zealand - Te Reo OroOro

"I really, really love this beautiful book. The vivid case studies, and multi-perspective narratives offer nuanced perspectives that honour traditional wisdom, and champion a paradigm shift towards holistic, culturally-centred partnerships in mental health.

The text is a joy to read, with the authors’ wisdom, compassion, and mana evident throughout. Ngā Kūaha should become a core text in the training of all psychiatrists, psychologists and other mental health workers in Aotearoa, and a book shelf staple for already qualified staff. I cannot recommend it enough." -- Professor Susanna Every-Palmer, Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Otago, Wellington | Te Whare Wānanga o Otāgo ki Poneke

"NiaNia, Bush and Epston, in their book, Ngā Kūaha, present a thought-provoking exploration of the interface between Wairuatanga (spirituality) and the western psychiatric paradigm. It’s lasting message for me is the importance of humanity. Of listening to people in a non-judgmental manner and of focusing not on which paradigm has superiority over the other, but which is most likely to assist a person to understand their experiences and to soothe any associated distress. This book is a ‘must read’ for anyone wishing to understand more about Māori perspectives on the spiritual realm and its interface with the practice of psychiatry." -- Rees Tapsell, Ngati Whakaue, MBChB, FRANZCP. Director of Clinical Services, Mental Health and Addictions, Te Whatu Ora Waikato, New Zealand.

"The authors have written an amazing book that exemplifies two-eyed seeing in mental health. They have shown how Māori concepts of mental phenomena can be true alongside conventional psychiatric ideas. This book will be crucial to those working in Indigenous settings because it decolonizes and depathologizes the Indigenous experience. It provides an inspirational example of how we can work biculturally and effectively. Importantly, it also challenges psychiatry to challenge its basic assumptions and to allow the world to be greater than it has believed." -- Lewis Mehl-Madrona, MD, PhD. Clinical Associate Professor of Family Medicine at the University of New England in Maine and author of Coyote Medicine.