Ara Poutama Aotearoa has become the official Maori name for Corrections. Chief Executive Barry Matthews says the preferred English translation of Ara Poutama Aotearoa is Towards Wellness and Wellbeing.
“While Ara Poutama Aotearoa literally means Positive Pathways New Zealand, it’s also a metaphor for learning as a lifelong practice,” Barry says.
“This links to our kaupapa statement - Kotahi ano te kaupapa; ko to oranga o te iwi; there is only one purpose our work; the wellness and wellbeing of the people. Hence Towards Wellness and Wellbeing is seen as an appropriate translation.”
Barry says the adoption of a Maori name illustrates Corrections’ commitment to working effectively with Maori.
“The absence of a Maori name has resulted in a range of names for Corrections being used. By settling on a Maori name, we’ve settled this confusion and we’ve underpinned our commitment to promoting te reo Maori as a taonga (treasure) and an official language of New Zealand.”
Barry says it was decided not to directly translate the Department of Corrections into Maori because the current title tended to convey the punitive aspect of Corrections’ work.
“Instead we decided to use a more philosophical approach that focuses on the rehabilitation and reintegrative aspects of our work,” he says.
Ara Poutama Aotearoa was chosen following extensive consultation with the Chief Executive Maori Advisory Group (CEMAG) and Te Taura Whiri I Te Reo Maori (Maori Language Commission).
It will be incorporated into Corrections’ branding and rolled out over the coming months.
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