Young Maori offenders have made a real connection with a Whangarei marae they have helped to refurbish.
In fact, the offenders - including some who had previously vandalised Te Kotahitanga Marae in the suburb of Otangarei – have found such a sense of belonging through the community work project that some have returned as volunteers, in their own time.
The six-week project involved a major upgrade of the marae’s aging buildings, with offenders painting and renovating the interior of the dining room, kitchen, and the main meeting house at the marae.
Senior Community Work Supervisor Eddie Kingi says the hard work has really paid off.
“The end product looks fantastic. The interior of each building has been completely renovated; it’s satisfying to see such a good result.”
Most of the workers assigned to the project were either from Otangarei or had ties to the marae, as one of the aims of the project was to help re-associate offenders with their roots.
Senior Community Work Supervisor Garry McPherson says the re-offending rate has decreased dramatically amongst those involved. “Eighty percent of workers who have helped with the project find redirection, a sense of belonging and self-worth.
“Many had become detached from their marae and had never really experienced a connection.”
Eddie believes the offenders who have helped on the marae project have developed a new, positive attitude. “They also developed a sense of ownership and respect for their community. Many had previously vandalised the buildings they helped to rebuild. They are not likely to vandalise something they helped to create.”
Along with providing a new-found sense of belonging, the Otangarei Marae project has also equipped the offenders with new practical skills which can be beneficial in finding future employment.
The marae itself – which is located in a neighbourhood that struggles for community support - has benefited too. The help from the Community Probation Service has enabled Otangarei Marae to make renovations that would have taken years for whanau to complete on their own.
Marae kaumatua Jim Wells welcomes the work party’s help. “Our community finds it hard to raise money to maintain our marae. We need their help otherwise the work won’t be done.”
The marae also supervises individual offenders on agency placement at the marae. Taka Hei, who manages these placements, says their ongoing help is invaluable.
And it seems there are opportunities for more community work offenders in the future.
Renovations to the exterior of the buildings at the marae are expected to start this summer, while other possible projects in Otangarei include upgrading the local kohanga reo and primary school.