Corrections Treaty Relationships Manager Charlie Tawhiao has bid farewell to the Department, leaving behind him a role he considered an 'obsession' rather than a job.
While sad to leave, Charlie says his commitment to the job was distracting him from his core business - his whānau.
"As Corrections' 'visible face' in Māori communities across New Zealand, I spoke often about the importance of whānau. But my commitment to the job never seemed to allow me enough time to devote to my own whanau," says Charlie.
"Whanau are fundamental to our future wellbeing as a nation - the building blocks of strong iwi, hapū and communities.
"It becomes impossible to speak on something, and encourage others to believe the same, if you are not doing it yourself. Now is the time for me to be practising what I have preached".
Charlie joined the Department in 1999 as the first Māori Service Delivery national adviser. Since then, the Māori Service Development team has expanded significantly with regional advisers now working in prisons nationwide. Charlie became Manager of Treaty Relations in 2004.
"My focus was to encourage Māori to become more involved in Corrections' work, so the Department could better assist Māori offenders.
"I found I had many supporters in this work and that's been one of the best things about Corrections. We attract people who want to change the world, and while that change might be slow, we do get there."
There's been some turbulence along the way but Charlie says he learnt to view criticism as the valid opinion of those issuing it and to stay focused on the fact that an occasional mistake doesn't detract from the good things that the Department achieves.
"Every offender who leaves prison never to return is a very big deal for their whanau and Corrections. The programmes that Corrections provide to help offenders gain insight into their offending and to learn a trade that will lead to employment outside the wire, is all a part of that change. We must never give up on returning these offenders to society as responsible, productive, law abiding citizens."
Charlie credits his optimism and his ability to focus on his relationship with Harris Shortland who enjoyed a 32-year career with Justice and Corrections.
"Harris' departure left a huge gap," says Charlie. "He was a delight to work with. I learnt so much from him. His debriefs after difficult meetings with iwi, his dedication to working with Māori communities, staff and prisoners to ensure Corrections' programmes were responsive and effective for Māori, greatly influenced me."
Charlie experienced mixed emotions during his last weeks at Corrections. While pleased that he and wife Pauline will soon be heading north to be near Charlie’s father in Mount Maunganui, leaving Wellington and Corrections is a wrench.
"I hope the person who replaces me finds the role as fulfilling as I have. In spite of the gains made, and they have been significant, there is still a lot of work to be done.
"I saw myself as being part of a continuing line of people who keep the work going with fresh ideas and a strong desire to serve the kaupapa. I’m proud to have been part of that."
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