Consultation with Māori advisors has resulted in a number of proposals on using ME with Māori prisoners. They are listed below under the following headings:
The basis for active management must be respect for the person – for their mana and integrity as a human being. This is the foundational principle without which nothing can be achieved.
Before attempting to influence prisoners, eliminate any attitudes and approaches to Māori prisoners that create barriers to change, i.e. ways in which the management of prisoners is less than respectful and humane.
Within Māori culture, any attempt to influence another requires first the establishing of a relationship. Identify connections and get to know the person. Lay the foundation of friendliness, warmth, interest and genuineness; and overcome the pervasive “us and them” perspective. The relationship becomes the basis upon which targeting interactions such as ME can occur.
Relationship building with Māori prisoners is best approached in unstructured interactions, while supervising work gangs, etc. Do not expect to be able to exert influence without having first established this foundation of respect and rapport.
The basic method of influencing others within a Māori framework is korero – interacting, speaking and sharing with the prisoner to “make a difference”.
Māori staff may feel comfortable being quite “directive” in offering advice or encouragement to do something. For example, in motivating a prisoner to participate in a programme, a Māori officer might say: "You know what, I think you should get yourself onto that course at …”
There is a special need for sensitivity around whakamā (shame) which many Māori feel in relation to their offending. Ensure that your approach does not inadvertently inflame whakamā and thus create further obstacles to communication and change.
It is important to view ME with Māori as incremental in nature. As with all prisoners, steadily chip away, but don’t expect any sudden breakthrough.