Sue Bradford

21 August 2009 - The New Zealand Psychological Society (NZPsS)-the premier membership association for psychologists in New Zealand, has honoured the work of Member of Parliament Sue Bradford and Professor Philippa Howden-Chapman from the University of Otago, Wellington School of Medicine by awarding them the Society's prestigious Public Interest Award.

The Public Interest Award recognises valuable contributions to psychology in the service of the public interest. Recipients of the Award are able to nominate a charity to which the New Zealand Psychological Society will donate $500.

The Awards will be conferred at the NZPsS Annual Conference, Welcome Function- 6.30pm, Thursday 27th August, Convention Centre, Palmerston North.

Jack Austin President of the Society said "both Sue Bradford and Professor Howden-Chapman have made a huge contribution to New Zealand in recognising and acting upon two important social justice issues impacting on health and wellbeing and the protection of children".

Mr Austin said "the Society is delighted to recognise and honour Green Party MP Sue Bradford. Sue has worked tirelessly over the years on behalf of a range of social justice issues. Her determination to proceed with her private member's bill to repeal Section 59 of the Crimes Act was based on her belief that children should have the same protection from assault as adults. Her commitment to this view remained despite receiving continued personal attacks. Psychology benefits enormously when societal pressures such as poverty and violence that impact on wellness are brought to public attention and legislation initiated to alleviate those pressures. The work undertaken by Sue in the past 40 years has shown a resolve and dedication to social justice that is truly inspirational and she is fully deserving of the New Zealand Psychological Society Public Interest Award".

Sue Bradford has asked as part of the Award that the Society donate $500 to the Child Poverty Action Group Inc.

Mr Austin said "the Society is also delighted to recognise and honour the work of Professor Philippa Howden-Chapman. She has made a major contribution to the public interest by bringing data-based rigour into serious housing problems in New Zealand, and thus raising awareness of the need for warmer, drier and healthier homes. In doing so she has drawn attention to health and other inequalities. Philippa's training in psychology and scientific methodology, her skills in meta-analysis, her experience in public health and her work in social contexts have all enabled her to recognise what is important for policy makers. In short, Philippa Howden-Chapman has made an outstanding solution-focussed psychologically-based contribution to a major social problem and is very deserving of the New Zealand Psychological Society Public Interest Award".

Professor Howden-Chapman has asked as part of the Award that the Society donate $500 to the Wellington Night Shelter.