Chief Executive Barry Matthews (centre) and Pacific Policy Adviser Leatuavao Viko
Aufaga (back row, third from left) with Corrections staff at the fono.
Corrections and Pacific groups discussed crime prevention strategies at a fono (conference) in Auckland in June.
Chief Executive Barry Matthews and Pacific Policy Adviser Leatuavao Viko Aufaga were among nearly 20 Corrections representatives attending the first National Pacific Community Safety and Crime Prevention Fono hosted by the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs.
The fono brought together people from diverse fields who are involved in preventing crime in Pacific communities. It provided opportunities to extend existing knowledge and networks to build on the great potential of Pacific communities’ strength and abilities.
As a key speaker, Barry covered what Corrections is doing to reduce the over-representation of Pacific peoples in the Corrections system, and emphasised the value of co-operation between Corrections and Pacific groups.
“Pacific community groups play a huge part in the reintegration and rehabilitation of Pacific offenders. The fono was an important opportunity to share with these groups first-hand what we’re doing for Pacific offenders and to encourage their involvement,” he said.
Viko, a member of the Effective Interventions Reference Group who helped to organise the fono, said the theme of the fono, which was “Pasifika Navigating Towards Safer Communities”, draws on Pacific peoples’ spirit and ancient skills of navigating through difficult and challenging times to safe shores.
“It provided a positive orientation concerning Pacific peoples’ resilience and adaptability, family strengths and wisdom, and the enthusiasm and diversity of youth – all underpinned by cultural and spiritual values,” he said.
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