Saili Matagi programme

Saili Matagi is a group-based programme delivered in Pacific Focus Units for Pacific male prisoners who are serving a sentence for violent offence.

The programme is based on the Pacific nations’ cultural principles and delivered through a “proverbial language” approach. Cultural principles/sacred knowledge systems are used as a “therapeutic approach” in itself. Embedded within the Pacific nations cultural paradigms are tools of “understanding” used appropriately to target treatment. The Saili Matagi therapeutic approach incorporates Pasifika Matua within the delivery of group work sessions to transfer the cultural values, beliefs and concepts that are familiar to men of Pasifika cultures.

Saili Matagi assists prisoners to identify and change beliefs, attitudes and behaviours that have resulted in violent offending. It aims to ultimately reduce intergenerational violence and the likelihood of re-offending.

The programme includes constructing an offence map, challenging attitudes and thoughts that lead to offending, managing emotions, managing relationships and managing conflicts, as well as developing safety plans.

Length of programme

A 17-week group therapy programme delivered over 180 hours in 72 sessions of 2.5 hours.

Location and Provider

The programme is delivered in the Fale at Spring Hill Corrections Facility. Each session is delivered by two programme facilitators in groups of up to 10 prisoners.