Our Responsiveness
The Department of Corrections aims to have a culturally-responsive workforce that helps to achieve the Department’s overall goal of reducing re-offending.
We focus on reducing re-offending by Maori, who make up a disproportionately high percentage of offenders in prison and in the community.
The Department seeks to develop interventions that target reducing reoffending by Maori. We are committed to building partnerships with Maori, being responsive to Maori and being effective for Maori.
All employees must recognise and respond appropriately to the needs, aims and aspirations of the many cultural and ethnic groups represented among the offenders we manage.
Responsiveness to the Treaty of Waitangi
As an agency of the Crown, the Department is required to demonstrate a commitment to the Treaty of Waitangi.
The Department’s goal of reducing re-offending by Maori, expresses a Treaty of Waitangi obligation to reduce the disparity between Maori and non-Maori.
Responsiveness also goes some way to honouring our Treaty of Waitangi obligations to iwi.
Cultural awareness training for staff aims to demonstrate a commitment to the Treaty of Waitangi, particularly as it focuses on employees’ ability to: