Tikanga Maori programmes play a key role in motivating offenders to change their behaviour – and programme providers in the Northern Region recently had their first chance to meet, share their experiences, and network with each other.
The hui in Auckland, facilitated by Community Probation & Psychological Services, brought together representatives from six providers working from South Auckland to Northland.
According to Waitemata Area Manager Alastair Riach, the aim of the hui was to seek and maintain continuous improvement in the delivery of Tikanga Maori programmes.
“We found it important to ensure that the tikanga programme providers are on the same page and we also felt that building a more open and communicative relationship would help with consistency,” says Alastair.
A common theme amongst the providers at the hui was the need to offer ongoing support after the actual programmes ended.
“Often offenders have a great time during the wananga but frequently when the programme is finished they are left flat and deflated because they don’t necessarily have the support networks in their own lives,” says Alastair.
The tikanga programmes represented at the hui are now looking to instigate support groups for offenders that extend beyond the main programme.
As a result of further awareness and training of CPPS staff, there has been an increase in the number of referrals to Tikanga M?ori programmes.
It is expected that tikanga programmes will fulfil a role in Effective Interventions as part of the Basic Work and Living Skills programme schedule, and Alastair believes there will be a need for more tikanga programmes to facilitate this growth.
“We are keen to help facilitate longer term contracts and look at ways to offer programmes that offer more variety and accessibility.”
The Central Region was the first to hold a provider hui about three years ago.
The Northern Region has followed suit and plans to continue to develop closer connections with the providers in the region through annual hui.