In addition to other programmes Maori Focus Units provide:
Tikanga programmes are offered to ensure prisoners in the MFUs acquire the required level of understanding and commitment to change their behaviour through Tikanga Maori. Prisoners complete such programmes once during the course of their sentence (either within the MFU or prior to entry).
Centrally-funded programmes which are core components of the MFU experience include Mahi Tahi, Mau Rakau and Mauranga Tipua.
MFUs may contract with other local groups to provide additional tikanga courses, to enrich the learning opportunities of prisoners.
Te Reo courses occur on an on-going basis within the Unit as part of the development and maintenance of a specifically Maori cultural environment. These are to be delivered by local iwi/tangata whenua wherever possible.
Maori Therapeutic Programmes (MTP) are delivered by external providers within the MFU, to address the specific offending issues of prisoners. Three to four programmes per year are provided, which address such issues as alcohol and drug abuse, violence, and relationship management.
Eligible prisoners participate in one MTP during their time of placement in the MFU. Prisoners attending these programmes are paid the same rate as applicable to Corrections employment.
MFU prisoners referred to the Psychological Service (PS) for individual assessment and/or treatment may be seen by PS staff. PS may employ the “bi-cultural therapy model” (BTM) in such cases.
Educational interventions (including literacy/numeracy) are available to prisoners in the MFU, according to the standard eligibility criteria.
The various RIS courses (Living Skills, Parenting and Budgeting) may be run in a MFU provided there are sufficient prisoners present with the identified need to make the course viable.