Psych Matters

Despite decades of reform, Māori continue to face persistent and systemic inequities within mental health services in Aotearoa. These inequities are not solely the result of limited access or funding but are deeply rooted in unconscious bias and institutional racism. Our presentation brought together the voices and lived experiences of senior Māori mental health leaders, who courageously named and examined these often-invisible forces that shape psychiatric care for Tāngata Whaiora Māori. 

The session created space for honest reflection and accountability—moving beyond blame to focus on the courage required to address structural power imbalances within the system. We shared personal stories and real-world examples of bias and racism, including insights from senior psychiatrists and Māori medical students. Attendees left with greater awareness, practical tools, and a renewed commitment to creating a psychiatric profession that is not only clinically competent, but also culturally safe, responsive, and just. 

Ms Phyllis Tangitu is a member of Te Kaunihera, RANZCP and has worked in the NZ Mental Health and Addictions sector for over 35 years.  Phyllis has strongly advocated for the improvement of Maori Health outcomes and enabling our Whanau to flourish within and across our mental health and addictions sector/community. 

Kuia Moe Milne has been directly involved in addressing mental health issues in the Māori community in her roles as a psychopaedic nurse and as a general and psychiatric nurse. Mrs Milne has contributed to Te Hau Marire, the national Māori addiction strategy, and developed several education programmes that address Māori health. She has made significant contributions to Māori research at both policy and practice levels. She was a member of the Health Research Council and she chaired the Māori health research group that developed Te Ara Tika to improve research ethics with Māori. Her involvement has resulted in several important services for Māori, including an assessment tool for Māori with Alzheimer’s and support for Māori children with traumatic brain injuries. For the last decade she has been an active participant in the International Network of Indigenous Health Knowledge and Development, promoting awareness of health issues in Māori communities. She has spoken at a wide range of conferences within New Zealand and overseas to share her experiences and knowledge of health issues facing indigenous communities. For the past five years she has developed and delivered training in cultural competency within health services. Mrs Milne has been a member of the Māori committee of the Royal Australia and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists for almost 20 years. 

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Please contact us by email at: [email protected]

Disclaimer:
This podcast is provided to you for information purposes only and to provide a broad public understanding of various mental health topics.  The podcast may represent the views of the author and not necessarily the views of The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists ('RANZCP'). The podcast is not to be relied upon as medical advice, or as a substitute for medical advice, does not establish a doctor-patient relationship and should not be a substitute for individual clinical judgement.  By accessing The RANZCP's podcasts you also agree to the full terms and conditions of the RANZCP's Website. Expert mental health information and finding a psychiatrist in Australia or New Zealand is available on the RANZCP’s Your Health In Mind Website.

In this episode, we delve into the fascinating world of writing disorders, exploring the intricate connections between creativity, neurology, and mental health. From the compulsive scribbles of hypergraphia to the challenges of agraphia, we uncover how these conditions have influenced some of history's most renowned figures, including Vincent van Gogh and Leonardo da Vinci. Join us as we unravel the mysteries of the mind and the profound impact of writing on civilisation. 

Dr. Robert Kaplan is a psychiatrist, author, historian and speaker. With a career spanning medicine, history, and the courtroom, he has explored the human mind at its darkest and most complex, from analysing criminal behaviour to uncovering the psychological drivers behind some of history’s most notorious figures.

Dr. Kaplan is a Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Western Sydney University, and the University of Wollongong. He is also a Conjoint Lecturer, Justice Health at the University of New South Wales and a Research Fellow in the History Department at Stellenbosch University. His forensic expertise has been called upon in some of the most complex and high-profile cases, where his sharp insights into human behaviour have shaped both medical and legal understandings of criminal pathology.

Topic suggestion:
If you have a topic suggestion or would like to participate in a future episode of Psych Matters, we’d love to hear from you.
Please contact us by email at: [email protected]

Disclaimer:
This podcast is provided to you for information purposes only and to provide a broad public understanding of various mental health topics.  The podcast may represent the views of the author and not necessarily the views of The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists ('RANZCP'). The podcast is not to be relied upon as medical advice, or as a substitute for medical advice, does not establish a doctor-patient relationship and should not be a substitute for individual clinical judgement.  By accessing The RANZCP's podcasts you also agree to the full terms and conditions of the RANZCP's Website. Expert mental health information and finding a psychiatrist in Australia or New Zealand is available on the RANZCP’s Your Health In Mind Website.

In this episode, Jason Haitana and Kaumatua Ronald Baker explore the historical and contemporary challenges faced by the Māori community in accessing mental health services. They discuss the impact of historical events, such as wars and legislative changes, on Māori well-being and highlight the ongoing struggle for adequate funding and resources. The conversation also touches on the importance of cultural practices and the revitalization of te reo Māori in strengthening community resilience. The hosts emphasise the need for investment in future generations to ensure a healthier, more prosperous future for Māori.

Jason Haitana belongs to the peoples of Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Whanganui and Ngāti Maru Wharanui. He is employed as a Principal Advisor Lived Experience with Te Whatu Ora. He currently sits as a community member with the Colleges Kaunihera. 

Kaumatua Ronald Baker (Ngāti Porou, Te Aitanga a Hauiti, Ngāi Tāmanuhiri, Te Whānau o Rongomaiwahine) is a respected Māori mental health leader with nearly 40 years of service. Born in Hastings and raised in Tāmaki, he pioneered culturally grounded mental health care, establishing New Zealand’s first Māori mental health unit and later the marae‑based Manawanui Māori Mental Health Unit. His work spans clinical leadership, cultural training, and international Indigenous research, recognised through prestigious fellowships. Ronald currently serves as Kaumātua for Te Rau Ora’s Centre of Māori Suicide Prevention and Kaumātua for the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists, continuing to influence Māori mental health through cultural integrity, advocacy, and mentoring. 

Topic suggestion:
If you have a topic suggestion or would like to participate in a future episode of Psych Matters, we’d love to hear from you.
Please contact us by email at: [email protected]

Disclaimer:
This podcast is provided to you for information purposes only and to provide a broad public understanding of various mental health topics.  The podcast may represent the views of the author and not necessarily the views of The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists ('RANZCP'). The podcast is not to be relied upon as medical advice, or as a substitute for medical advice, does not establish a doctor-patient relationship and should not be a substitute for individual clinical judgement.  By accessing The RANZCP's podcasts you also agree to the full terms and conditions of the RANZCP's Website. Expert mental health information and finding a psychiatrist in Australia or New Zealand is available on the RANZCP’s Your Health In Mind Website.

In this podcast we dive into the vital topic of cultural safety—what it means in practice, how it shapes the wellbeing of diverse communities, and why it remains a cornerstone of effective and compassionate mental-health care in Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia!

 Dr. Ramya Vadivel is a psychiatrist and the New Zealand representative for the Section of Early Career Psychiatrists (SECP) at RANZCP. She has experience in general adult and addictions psychiatry and has contributed to mental health research, including studies on COVID-19's impact on mental health and addictions. 

 Dr. Charlie Mentzel is a psychiatrist and academic acting as a Senior Lecturer at University of Otago and practising clinician. With a PhD in movement disorders in severe mental illness. She serves as Co-Convenor of the 2025 RANZCP New Zealand Conference.

Prof Richard Harvey is a psychiatrist in private practice based in Victoria. He is a deputy chair of the Policy, Practice and Partnerships Committee. He holds an academic position at Deakin University in Geelong. He was co-chair of the Code of Ethics review steering group. 

Sam Farr is the first “Lived & Living Experience Senior Adviser (Consumer)” at RANZCP. Drawing on his own experience as a mental-health consumer, he now works as a practitioner and focuses on service-design and system change. His goal is to ensure lived experience informs psychiatry policy and practice within the College. 

Kate Fulford is a pharmacist and health-service innovator invited by RANZCP for her work supporting marginalised and First Nations communities. She leads strategy and clinical innovation at a primary-care centre and champions equitable access to healthcare. 

Dr. Mark Lawrence is a Māori adult psychiatrist working in Tauranga, Aotearoa New Zealand. He serves as a Board Director at RANZCP and advocates strongly for Māori mental-health equity. He also lectures in psychiatry at the University of Auckland. 

Dr. Angelo Virgona is a veteran psychiatrist with decades of clinical, private-practice, and service-administration experience. He chaired RANZCP’s NSW Branch and was elected President-Elect in 2025, focusing on improving mental-health access and service delivery. 

Topic suggestion:
If you have a topic suggestion or would like to participate in a future episode of Psych Matters, we’d love to hear from you.
Please contact us by email at: [email protected]

Disclaimer:
This podcast is provided to you for information purposes only and to provide a broad public understanding of various mental health topics.  The podcast may represent the views of the author and not necessarily the views of The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists ('RANZCP'). The podcast is not to be relied upon as medical advice, or as a substitute for medical advice, does not establish a doctor-patient relationship and should not be a substitute for individual clinical judgement.  By accessing The RANZCP's podcasts you also agree to the full terms and conditions of the RANZCP's Website. Expert mental health information and finding a psychiatrist in Australia or New Zealand is available on the RANZCP’s Your Health In Mind Website.

From the team at the Psych Matters podcast, we would like to thank you for supporting us on our journey this year. We have had over 25 releases and have reached over 210,000 listens. We would like to thank all our guest speakers and our audience for their contributions and support. Happy Holidays! 

Topic suggestion:
If you have a topic suggestion or would like to participate in a future episode of Psych Matters, we’d love to hear from you.
Please contact us by email at: [email protected]

Disclaimer:
This podcast is provided to you for information purposes only and to provide a broad public understanding of various mental health topics.  The podcast may represent the views of the author and not necessarily the views of The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists ('RANZCP'). The podcast is not to be relied upon as medical advice, or as a substitute for medical advice, does not establish a doctor-patient relationship and should not be a substitute for individual clinical judgement.  By accessing The RANZCP's podcasts you also agree to the full terms and conditions of the RANZCP's Website. Expert mental health information and finding a psychiatrist in Australia or New Zealand is available on the RANZCP’s Your Health In Mind Website.

In this podcast, Dr Georgia Ramsden (Chair of the Binational Committee of Trainees) and Dr Ashna Basu (RANZCP Board Director, Chair of the Trainees’ Advisory Council) discuss the various trainee representative structures at the college, how they work and intertwine, the great efforts of trainee representatives across the College, and how you can get involved! 

Dr Ashna Basu is a Stage 3 trainee in Sydney who serves as the appointed director, trainee on the RANZCP Board of Directors and Chair of the Trainees’ Advisory Council. She is a former RANZCP NSW Trainee Representative and wears other hats, including as Chair of the Young branch of the Medical Women’s International Association. 

Dr Georgia Ramsden is a Stage 3 trainee based in Palmerston North, Aotearoa New Zealand.  She is currently the Chair of the Bi-national Committee for Trainees, previously representing New Zealand on the committee.  

References: 

• Bi-national Committee for Trainees
• Trainees' Advisory Council
• Position Description - Appointed Director, Trainee

Topic suggestion:
If you have a topic suggestion or would like to participate in a future episode of Psych Matters, we’d love to hear from you.
Please contact us by email at: [email protected]

Disclaimer:
This podcast is provided to you for information purposes only and to provide a broad public understanding of various mental health topics.  The podcast may represent the views of the author and not necessarily the views of The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists ('RANZCP'). The podcast is not to be relied upon as medical advice, or as a substitute for medical advice, does not establish a doctor-patient relationship and should not be a substitute for individual clinical judgement.  By accessing The RANZCP's podcasts you also agree to the full terms and conditions of the RANZCP's Website. Expert mental health information and finding a psychiatrist in Australia or New Zealand is available on the RANZCP’s Your Health In Mind Website.

In this episode, Dr James Le Bas, a retired psychiatrist, shares his personal journey with Prof Richard Newton through mental illness and the stigma associated with it. He discusses the concept of 'brash humility,' the impact of his experiences on his professional identity, and the importance of open conversations in reducing stigma. The dialogue explores the intersection of patient and psychiatrist experiences, the role of supervision, and the therapeutic power of writing. Ultimately, they emphasise the need for empathy and understanding within the mental health profession.

Dr James Le Bas PhD had his career in psychiatry awakened in a locked ward in Manilla, the first of four hospitalisations for psychosis, depression, and mania. He is a devotee of community psychiatry and dates the birth of social value (prestige), which is implicit in mood disorders, at around fifty thousand years ago as societies sought cohesive strategies required for life. His website and book can be found at beyondbipolar.com.au. 

Prof Richard Newton is an Adjunct Clinical Professor at Monash University, a consultant psychiatrist in Youth Mental Health at Peninsula Health.  He is the recent past Clinical Director of Peninsula Health and has a private practice specialising in eating disorders. He is a Board Member of the RANZCP where he chairs the finance committee, Wellways, where he chairs the Quality and Safety Committee, and he also serves on the boards of Mental Health Victoria and the World Association of Psychosocial Rehabilitation Australia.    

In 2021 Richard was awarded the RANZCP College Citation for his contributions to psychiatry in Australia.  In 2009 Professor Newton received the RANZCP’s Margaret Tobin Award, which acknowledged his valuable contributions to administrative psychiatry.  Professor Newton is also an academic psychiatrist who has published over 100 peer-reviewed articles or book chapters. 

Topic suggestion:
If you have a topic suggestion or would like to participate in a future episode of Psych Matters, we’d love to hear from you.
Please contact us by email at: [email protected]

Disclaimer:
This podcast is provided to you for information purposes only and to provide a broad public understanding of various mental health topics.  The podcast may represent the views of the author and not necessarily the views of The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists ('RANZCP'). The podcast is not to be relied upon as medical advice, or as a substitute for medical advice, does not establish a doctor-patient relationship and should not be a substitute for individual clinical judgement.  By accessing The RANZCP's podcasts you also agree to the full terms and conditions of the RANZCP's Website. Expert mental health information and finding a psychiatrist in Australia or New Zealand is available on the RANZCP’s Your Health In Mind Website.

This episode explores the experiences and insights of the transition to retirement in psychiatry. Dr Joanna MacDonald, Dr Brian Craig, Dr Graeme Croft, Dr Nick O’Connor, and A/Prof Chanaka Wijeratne share personal stories, emphasizing the need for mentorship, community involvement, and the significance of maintaining social connections post-retirement. The discussion covers the challenges faced during retirement, the importance of financial planning, and the emotional aspects of leaving a long-term career in medicine. They include practical advice for those approaching retirement, highlighting the importance of flexibility and the potential for a fulfilling retirement life.

Dr Joanna MacDonald (TTRWG Chair) is from Wellington in Aotearoa/New Zealand. She was a member of the TTWRG from its inception, and took over as Chair from Dr Nick O’Connor, in 2024. She worked as a community psychiatrist for 44 yrs before retiring from paid employment in 2021. In addition she was an academic psychiatrist, member of the MCNZ and Chair of its Health Committee, Director of training and held various roles on binational College committees.

Dr Nick O’Connor retired in May 2024 at age 67. He worked in NSW Health services for 43 years including as Area and Clinical Director of mental health services. Nick’s 7-year term on the College Board and 6-year term on the Education Committee including 4 years as Chair concluded in 2024.

Dr Brian Craig is a retired Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist and an IMG from Scotland. He holds specialist qualifications in both UK and Australasian Colleges and was a Clinical Director and worked in inpatient and outpatient services in Christchurch New Zealand. He was an IMG practice reviewer for the NZMC and was also actively involved with the medical specialist union ASMS being made a life member in 2014. He has been a member of the TTWRG since its inception.

A/Prof Chanaka Wijeratne graduated in medicine from UNSW and trained in old age psychiatry at the Maudsley Hospital, London. He is a clinician who divides his time between public and private practice. He is Clinical Lead of Older Persons' Mental Health at Prince of Wales Hospital. He has a longstanding interest in doctors' health, in particular late career practitioners and doctors from an ethnically and racially diverse background, and in medical regulation

Dr Graeme Croft’s career in psychiatry included public and private practice and work as a  psychiatrist with the Mental Health Review Board.  His retirement from practice in 2011 provided him with an opportunity to develop his longstanding interest in music and music performance, and he successfully undertook  tertiary studies in music (Bachelor of Music and then Master of Fine Art (Research)).  He is now actively involved as a musician, in community music.

Topic suggestion:
If you have a topic suggestion or would like to participate in a future episode of Psych Matters, we’d love to hear from you.
Please contact us by email at: [email protected]

Disclaimer:
This podcast is provided to you for information purposes only and to provide a broad public understanding of various mental health topics.  The podcast may represent the views of the author and not necessarily the views of The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists ('RANZCP'). The podcast is not to be relied upon as medical advice, or as a substitute for medical advice, does not establish a doctor-patient relationship and should not be a substitute for individual clinical judgement.  By accessing The RANZCP's podcasts you also agree to the full terms and conditions of the RANZCP's Website. Expert mental health information and finding a psychiatrist in Australia or New Zealand is available on the RANZCP’s Your Health In Mind Website.

In this episode, we will address the critical issue of power and privilege in psychiatric leadership. Power dynamics and privilege can significantly impact care, collaboration and co-leadership. We'll explore strategies for redistributing power, fostering a culture of inclusion and respect. Our conversation will cover the importance of self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and cultural humility in mitigating the effects of power and privilege.

Sarah Wilson is a leading international researcher in brain and mental health with a sustained track record in research translation embedded in co-design with people with lived experience. She is a Clinical Neuropsychologist with more than 30 years of experience in the Victorian public and private health sectors and has more than 15 years of executive and senior leadership. 

Emily Unity is an award-winning lived and living experience leader and advocate. They are passionate about creating change through disrupting traditional systems and amplifying intersectional voices. Emily is informed by their lived and living experiences, including mental ill-health, disability, LGBTQIA+, multiculturalism, neurodivergence, homelessness, family violence, and more.  

Dr Kerryn Rubin is Clinical Director of Mental Health and Wellbeing at Peninsula Health, an adjunct Senior Lecturer at Monash University, and a previous Chair of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatry’s Victorian Branch. Kerryn has over 2 decades of experience in public and private mental health services.  Kerryn is a passionate advocate for trauma-informed care, and the reduction of restrictive interventions, whilst maintaining safe and therapeutic hospital environments. 

Dr Phyllis Chua is a Consultation-Liaison psychiatrist at the Austin Hospital and Calvary Health Care Bethlehem. She has an interest in medical education and was involved in different teaching roles for university undergraduate and postgraduate courses as well as the RANZCP registrar training program. She is currently the chair of CEEMR. Her research interests are in neuropsychiatry and medical education. 

Resources:

• https://www.vic.gov.au/victorian-collaborative-centre
• https://healthsciences.unimelb.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/3392215/Coproduction_putting-principles-into-practice.pdf

Topic suggestion:
If you have a topic suggestion or would like to participate in a future episode of Psych Matters, we’d love to hear from you.
Please contact us by email at: [email protected]

Disclaimer:
This podcast is provided to you for information purposes only and to provide a broad public understanding of various mental health topics.  The podcast may represent the views of the author and not necessarily the views of The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists ('RANZCP'). The podcast is not to be relied upon as medical advice, or as a substitute for medical advice, does not establish a doctor-patient relationship and should not be a substitute for individual clinical judgement.  By accessing The RANZCP's podcasts you also agree to the full terms and conditions of the RANZCP's Website. Expert mental health information and finding a psychiatrist in Australia or New Zealand is available on the RANZCP’s Your Health In Mind Website.

In honour of ADHD Awareness Month, we're excited to share a special short episode on Adult ADHD, presented by Dr. Smita Verma.

The concept of normality is pivotal in diagnosing adult ADHD, as common behaviours like distractibility or impulsivity, universal to human experience, only warrant a diagnosis when they cause significant functional impairment in specific contexts. A global shortage of ADHD stimulants reflects rising demand, with social media platforms like TikTok being one of the contributing factors. On TikTok, #adhdtest videos often oversimplify ADHD, as evident during my research on the quality of information on #adhdtest, presenting normal behaviours like forgetfulness as diagnostic, while trends like “SLAY-DHD” glamorise the condition, encouraging self-diagnosis. Diagnosing adult ADHD is complex due to subjective symptom assessment, necessitating careful differentiation between normal responses to modern life’s demands and pathological symptoms. Clinicians must consider cultural, personal, and environmental contexts, using collateral input to validate childhood impairments and rule out conditions like anxiety or burnout, ensuring accurate diagnosis and judicious stimulant use, given their uncertain long-term safety. 

Dr Smita Verma, MBBS is a psychiatry registrar at Waikato Hospital's Mental Health & Addiction Services in Hamilton, New Zealand, currently pursuing a Certificate in Adult Psychiatry through the RANZCP training program. 

Topic suggestion:
If you have a topic suggestion or would like to participate in a future episode of Psych Matters, we’d love to hear from you.
Please contact us by email at: [email protected]

Disclaimer:
This podcast is provided to you for information purposes only and to provide a broad public understanding of various mental health topics.  The podcast may represent the views of the author and not necessarily the views of The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists ('RANZCP'). The podcast is not to be relied upon as medical advice, or as a substitute for medical advice, does not establish a doctor-patient relationship and should not be a substitute for individual clinical judgement.  By accessing The RANZCP's podcasts you also agree to the full terms and conditions of the RANZCP's Website. Expert mental health information and finding a psychiatrist in Australia or New Zealand is available on the RANZCP’s Your Health In Mind Website.