Corrections Minister Hon Damien O’Connor signed a memorandum of agreement with Wanganui Māori on 25 June. It symbolises the development and strengthening of relationships between the Department and Māori.
The Memorandum was signed by Te Runanga o Tupoho, on behalf of Te Runanga o te Awa Tupua o Whanganui, a group of five Wanganui tupuna rohe.
Minister of Corrections Hon Damien O’Connor (seated, left) with members of
Te Runanga o te Awa Tupua o Whanganui at the signing of the agreement in Wellington.
The Minister was extremely pleased to sign the agreement which he says formally seals and recognises a relationship that already exists.
“This agreement cements our commitment to working together to rehabilitate Māori offenders and in turn contribute to the wellness and wellbeing of our society as a whole,” he says.
On behalf of Te Runanga o te Awa Tupua o Whanganui, and in the absence of Te Atawhai Archie Taiaroa, Co-Convenor John Niko Maihi said the iwi see the move as “exciting and adventurous.”
“It’s especially positive that we’re talking with Corrections to examine some of the shortfalls and gaps when a prisoner is released from custody into the community, and, more importantly, the support to himself and whanau,” John said.
Māori currently make up around 50 percent of the prison population and 45 percent of new offenders starting community based sentences.
“Turning these sobering statistics around is one of Corrections’ key priorities. We hope to do this by working closely with Māori communities at a strategic and developmental level,” says the Minister.
“This is where Tupoho comes in. While we as a department can do a lot, we need community involvement to make a real difference. This memorandum will provide opportunity to increase the level of ‘for Māori by Māori’ services.”
Corrections has formal relationship agreements with Ngati Rangi Kaitiaki Society (Northland Region Corrections Facility), Iwi Whanui (Auckland Central Remand Prison and Mount Eden Prison), Tai Poutini Ngai Tahu (West Coast South Island), Te Runanga o Tupoho (Wanganui Prison), and Tuwharetoa Māori Trust Board.
The Department is in the final stages of formalising existing agreements with Pukaki ki te Ākitai (Auckland Region Women’s Corrections Facility), Ngati Naho Kaitiaki Society (Spring Hill Corrections Facility), and Te Runanga o Otakou (Otago Corrections Facility).
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ISSN 1178-8453