Media release from the New Zealand Psychological Society

The New Zealand Psychological Society (NZPsS) -the premier membership association for psychologists in New Zealand), offers awards for excellence in practice and research related to psychology and social justice issues.
Three prestigious awards were conferred on this year's recipients at the New Zealand Psychological Society Conference held in Rotorua18-20 July.

The Jamieson Award
Psychologist Clare Bennett has been awarded the Jamieson Award.  This award
recognises significant contributions to psychology in New Zealand.  Clare has a distinguished record of achievements in industrial/organisational psychology.  Following completion of a Bachelor of Psychology degree in 1985, she worked from 1987 to 1996 as a registered psychologist in the New Zealand Defence Forces.  Since 2007, Clare has worked for the Inland Revenue Department in a number of key human resource and strategy development positions.  Amongst her many achievements is the recent research effort invested in the IRD to identify and understand what attracts employees to organisations and what sustains organisational commitment and engagement.  Her work has provided practical recommendations for organisational leaders in improving attraction and engagement.

The Hunter Award
Associate Professor John Read from the University of Auckland, has been awarded the Sir Thomas Hunter Award for distinction in research by the New Zealand Psychological Society.  Through many journal articles, chapters, and books, he has made a major contribution to research on the effects of psychosocial life events, including childhood trauma, on the development of psychopathology. His highly cited papers include important reviews of the contribution of childhood traumatic events to psychosis and schizophrenia, published in "Psychiatry: Interpersonal and Biological Processes" (2001), and "Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica" (2005). Dr Read has addressed the issue of the stigmatization of people with mental health problems, and has been involved in the evaluation of mental health services. He is the editor of "Models of Madness: Psychological, Social and Biological Approaches to Schizophrenia" (Routledge, 2004) which has sold over 10,000 copies and been translated into Chinese, Russian, Spanish and Swedish).   He is the editor of "Psychological, Social, and Integrative Approaches", and is on the editorial boards of two other journals. He has served as Director of Scientific Affairs for the New Zealand Psychological Society.  This award also recognises the significance of his efforts to translate research into practice through his national and international presentations on psychological treatments for persons with schizophrenia.

President of the Society Frank O'Connor said today
"The Society is delighted to be able to recognise the scholarly and professional contributions made by Professor John Read and Clare Bennett to psychology.  The academic and practical work of psychologists in mental health and human resources, education and many other areas is dependent upon a foundation of robust research and innovative practice and we proudly honour the work of Associate Professor John Read and Clare Bennett.



Karahipi Tumuaki -President's Scholarship
The President's scholarship  is awarded to Māori postgraduate students who are active in the Māori community and who are enrolled for a degree requiring a piece of research as part of either a Masters or higher level post-graduate degree in psychology. The research must be Māori-centred and related to the betterment of the Māori community.   

The recipient of the award is Matthew Shepherd who is undertaking a PhD in clinical psychology at the University of Auckland.

Frank O'Connor said  "it was a real pleasure to present the President's Award to Matthew Shepherd  who is focussing his psychology research on practical approaches in assisting Māori through the use of computerised technology for cognitive behavioural therapy."  

Background to the New Zealand Psychological Society
The New Zealand Psychological Society is the largest professional association for psychologists in New Zealand.  It has over 1000 members and aims to improve individual and community wellbeing by representing, promoting and advancing the scientific discipline and practice of psychology.  For more information on the Society go to www.psychology.org.nz