The launch of Corrections’ new Maori Cultural Practice Guidelines has generated widespread debate and reaction.
However, Chief Executive Barry Matthews says that such debate is a healthy sign and often occurs when developing robust policies. “There has already been a broad range of views expressed to us which will be considered in a formal review towards the end of the year.
“One of the key aspects of the new policy is the requirement to first consider whether the holding of a powhiri addresses our core business - reducing re-offending. This will help us to address the concern that powhiri were being over-used and their traditional significance was being lost.
“The guidelines aim to protect traditional values while ensuring Corrections has a framework that permits participation by all staff.”
Barry says the mihi whakatau was adopted because Corrections expected it to provide more flexibility. “We will consider how well this approach meets our needs over the coming year.”
Barry also confirms Corrections’ commitment to preserving the integrity of tikanga Maori where it is within the context of Corrections’ business. “There is a perception that we have changed our practices solely in response to a complaint from a single staff member. In fact, the Department has responded to a number of broader and related issues that only came to light when we examined our practices,” he says.
“In particular we needed to ensure that we have policies in place that address the potentially inappropriate and incorrect uses of Maori protocols by Corrections.”
“With around half our offenders being Maori, the promotion of Maori culture is a core element of our rehabilitation programmes and our efforts to reduce Maori reoffending.”
“We have tried to strike a balance between traditional values and modern needs in developing this policy, which is solely about what we do as a Department,” he says.
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