Ng¿ K¿aha Voices and Visions in Maori Healing and Psychiatry

"Nga Kuaha is an essential read for those seeking to understand both Maori and Western knowledge within mental health. The authors have placed people at the forefront. Wiremu's personal narratives open the kuaha (Doorway) to a profound exploration of mental health from his Maori 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 matauranga Maori alongside western psychiatric insights." -- Rikki Solomon, Tohunga, Ngati Kahungunu, Ngati Kahu ki Whangaroa, Rangitane o Tamaki-nui-o-rua.

"With a moving narrative and insightful reflections, Nga Kuaha provides an invaluable view into Te Ao Maori, Maori mental health, and wairua. Allister and Wiremu's collaboration offers a profound exploration into the experiences of Maori 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 Nga Kuaha 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 Maori." -- Professor Joanne Baxter, Poutini Ngai Tahu, Ngati Apa ki te Ra T , Professor of Maori Health; Dean, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Te Whare Wananga o Otago, New Zealand

"In Nga Kuaha, 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 matauranga Maori." -- Jason Haitana, Ngati Tuwharetoa, Ngati Maruwharanui, Te Ati Haunui a Paparangi, 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 Maori 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 k rero 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. Nga Kuaha 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 Wananga o Otago ki Poneke

"NiaNia, Bush and Epston, in their book, Nga Kuaha, 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 Maori 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 Maori 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.