The number of Maori offenders in the community who have participated in a tikanga Maori programme has increased steadily over the past couple of years.
In the year to June 2007 just over 500 community-based offenders took part in a tikanga Maori programme; next year that number is expected to increase to nearly 900.
The more motivated the offenders are, the better the results, and feedback from staff, participants and providers is that offenders often graduate from tikanga Maori programmes with a deeper appreciation of their culture. This can be a useful foundation on which to build a positive, crime-free future.
This issue of Naku also profiles one of our CPPS psychologists who works one-on-one with offenders to help them understand why they offend and find ways to help them stop reoffending.
Corrections is committed to being responsive to Maori through the work we do and the staff who do it. We are always keen to recruit more Maori as CPPS psychologists, probation officers and programme facilitators.
Around the country we’re appointing kaiwhakahaere (liaison staff) who will also work to bridge the gaps that sometimes exist between the offender, their whanau and CPPS staff.
Working together is the key. This year we have held hui with programme providers in different parts of the country. These hui are a good chance for us to meet with iwi, hapu and programme providers to strengthen our relationships with them, and look at our progress and any improvements that can be made.
We look forward to their continued support as we continue to work towards our goal of reducing reoffending by Maori.
Naku noa na
Katrina Casey
General Manager
Community Probation & Psychological Services