16 April

Last week nine prisoners graduated from the Maori Therapeutic Programme at Tongariro/Rangipo Prison’s Maori Focus Unit (MFU).

“It was fantastic to see yet another group of prisoners benefit from this very worthwhile programme. We have around 20  prisoners from Tongagiro/Rangipo graduate from this programme a year and their feedback is always very positive,” says Acting Prison Manager Dennis Goodin.

"I found the programme beneficial because I have learnt more about myself, my thoughts, feelings and beliefs that contributed to my offending. I have now learnt strategies to counter my offending, by learning how to identify the high-risk situations. I have also learnt how to stop and think about  the consequences of my actions and how to reframe my thoughts," said one of the graduating prisoners.

“The graduation also gave the invited guests the opportunity to gain an understanding of how the programme aids in prisoner rehabilitation. The Department of Corrections has a significant focus to reduce re-offending and the Maori Focus Units are a key tool in helping us to achieve this outcome," said Mr Goodin.
 
“Tikanga Maori programmes use Maori philosophy, values, knowledge and practice to help prisoners increase their understanding of their Maori identity and their values, and improve their self-esteem to help them become motivated to address the causes of their offending.”

“During the graduation the prisoners also got the opportunity to give thanks back to staff by performing a whakatu and singing waiata.”

The programmes are delivered by Maori service providers engaged by the Department. The programmes require 100 hours of contact for a maximum of 10 participants and are delivered in the Maori Focus Units.

Notes to Editors

Tongariro/Rangipo Prison has one of New Zealand's five Maori Focus Units.

The Unit, called Te Hikoinga, establishes a culturally appropriate environment in which prisoners can address issues relating to their offending in a holistic manner.

The unit is constituted on Tikanga Maori principles and operates within a Tikanga Maori environment. Through the practice of Maori values and disciplines, and specialist Maori programmes, the unit aims to bring about positive changes in thinking and behaviour.

Corrections has a commitment to offering a wide range of services to Maori offenders, and to further strengthen the MFU model to reduce re-offending amongst Maori.

Research has shown that using an approach based on Tikanga Maori principles such as that applied in an MFU, strengthens the cultural identity of Maori offenders, improves their attitudes and behaviours and motivates them to participate in rehabilitation opportunities.
 
A recent review into the effectiveness of the MFU's was conducted and key findings of the evaluation indicated:

• MTP participants displayed positive change in terms of attitudes and beliefs related to criminal lifestyles;
• positive changes in terms of reconvictions and re-imprisonments rates;
• all five MFUs are operating in conformity to the prescribed requirements for the programme;
• extensive evidence of MFUs participants acquiring new knowledge in relation to Tikanga Maori.

For further information contact the Communications Services Desk:

• Phone: (04) 460 3365
• Email: commdesk@corrections.govt.nz
  

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