Whare Oranga Ake

The Department of Corrections has two 16-bed Whare Oranga Ake reintegration units –  at Hawke’s Bay Regional Prison and Spring Hill Corrections Facility –
that provide a kaupapa Maori environment for selected prisoners nearing the end of their sentence. 

The programme and the day-to-day running of the Whare Oranga Ake are provided by skilled Maori community service providers, while security is provided by Prison Services.

At Whare Oranga Ake prisoners are supported to reconnect with their culture, identity and community. To achieve this the Whare Oranga Ake programme focuses on four key areas:

• employment
• education and training
• accommodation
• reconnecting with iwi/hapu and community.

Prisoners are supported to look for and obtain employment and/or to be assisted in developing a new career path through training. The Whare programme also works to ensure there is community support for prisoners on release by linking them to community support networks, which will continue their support after the prisoner’s release. Other key focuses are to continue any rehabilitation already undertaken by the prisoner, and to assist the prisoner confront problems or issues, including restoring whanau relationships.

In September 2010, 50.9 per cent of the prison population identified as Maori. Although this number equates to less than five percent of our total Maori population, the high percentage of Maori in prison does cause particular concern.

Funding for the Whare programme was announced in the May 2010 budget. The two Whare facilities, which are located on prison land outside the secure perimeter fence, opened in July 2011.

Reintegrative

Helping prisoners gain the skills and support they need to effectively reintegrate into the community helps reduce re-offending, which makes our communities safer. Whare Oranga Ake focuses on a prisoner’s reintegrative needs. For example, prisoners in Whare Oranga Ake are supported to look for, obtain and be engaged in employment and/or seek further education and training.

Whare Oranga Ake also helps prisoners by providing support for programmes the prisoner has already undertaken. For example, arranging for a prisoner to attend AA meetings after taking part in a Drug and Alcohol Treatment programme.

Prisoners live communally within the Whare Oranga Ake units. They take on all the responsibilities of daily living such as cooking and cleaning. They also look for post-release accommodation, which goes hand-in-hand with creating community support for them on release.

Innovative

Distinct innovations in the concept and delivery of Whare Oranga Ake are:

• The units are underpinned by kaupapa Maori. This means that Maori practices, language and values are woven through all activities and interactions of the units.
• There is a significant emphasis on reintegration services, not only in providing skills for living on the outside but also assisting prisoners in establishing connections that will support them on release.
• Skilled Maori community service providers lead the approach and services delivered. At Spring Hill the services are provided by Raukura Waikato Social Services. At Hawke’s Bay, the services are provided by Choices Kahungunu Health Services. The Department’s Rehabilitation and Reintegration Services manage the relationships with the contracted service providers and provide support. 

Whare Oranga Ake targets Maori offenders but is open to all prisoners who meet the criteria and who agree to abide by the kaupapa of the Whare.

Eligibility and entry criteria:

• Any age
• For male prisoners only
• Medium to high reintegrative needs, particularly in terms of employment, accommodation and relationships
• A commitment to the kaupapa Maori environment of the Whare
• Minimum security classification only
• At least six months left to serve on their sentence
• Completed all other rehabilitation programmes that were part of their sentence plan
• Good level of motivation to live in the Whare and participate in all aspects of the Whare activities.

All offenders sentenced to more than 28 days imprisonment have a sentence plan for areas they need to address, which will assist with their rehabilitation and reintegration. Before prisoners can enter Whare Oranga Ake they will have been required to complete any rehabilitative programmes specified in their sentence plan. The Department’s Maori Focus Units are a natural starting point for prisoners wishing to participate in Whare Oranga Ake when they are nearing release.