University didn't cater to me as a Pacific person: Building the Pacific workforce in clinical psychology programmes across Aotearoa New Zealand

Pacific people comprise around 8% of Aotearoa NZ's population. They have higher rates of mental health distress but lower rates of mental health service use than do non-Pacific people. Having more Pacific clinical psychologists is a necessary part of addressing these disparities, yet only 1.7% of currently registered clinical psychologists are Pacific. This paper, co-authored by members of an informal pastoral and clinical support group (Pacific Clinical Talanoa), draws on experiences of clinical psychology training as Pacific people. The support group engaged in regular talanoa as part of their support for one another, which subsequently led to a multi-vocal account of training experiences and concerns. Recommendations are offered to promote and improve equity and Pacific engagement, including wider understanding amongst both non-Pacific psychologists and Pacific communities, as to how the profession can collectively enhance Pacific mental wellbeing.