Corrections Minister Hon Damien O’Connor last month signed a memorandum of partnership with West Coast Maori, formalising Corrections’ good working relationship with local Maori in recent years.
The agreement was signed by Poutini Ngai Tahu, a body representing the two Ngai Tahu runanga on the West Coast: Te Runanga o Ngati Waewae in the north and Te Runanga o Makaawhio in the south.
Corrections was represented by the Minister, Chief Executive Barry Matthews, Community Probation Service Southern Regional Manager Paul Tomlinson, and senior Community Probation Service staff from the area.
Corrections Minister Damien O’Connor looks on
as the memorandum of partnership is signed.
Paul says the memorandum formalises the existing partnership between Corrections and the two hapu. “The agreement cements our relationship and is a foundation for developing it further in the years to come.”
“One of our first priorities is to start up a Tikanga Maori Programme for Maori offenders. Tikanga Maori Programmes are an alternative to imprisonment, using Maori culture and values to motivate Maori offenders to address the causes of their offending and lead a positive crime-free lifestyle.”
Working with local Maori is key to Corrections’ efforts to reduce re-offending by Maori.
Maori make up just 9 per cent of the West Coast population but account for around a quarter of offenders serving community-based sentences.
Paul says continuing that good working relationship between Corrections and local Maori will help turn those statistics around.
Got a story for Corrections News or want to request the print edition?
Email commdesk@corrections.govt.nz or phone (04) 460 3365.
ISSN 1178-8453