We all have an important role in keeping the public safe through our work in ensuring sentence compliance and reducing re-offending.
Overall for Pacific peoples, progress has been made with economic and social integration into New Zealand society. Within the Corrections system, although Pacific peoples representation is small, there are still some challenges. Currently, the Pacific re-offending rate is lower than other groups and this is good news. However, a projected increase in Pacific youth demographics may change this. We will monitor this trend as we progress over the next five years.
The Department’s previous two Pacific Strategies have resulted in a range of programmes and services aimed at reducing re-offending by Pacific peoples. This provides us with a strong foundation from which further gains can be made to improve outcomes for Pacific offenders.
Barry Matthews
Chief Executive