More support makes a difference for Maori offenders
Reducing re-offending by Maori, the indigenous people of New Zealand, is a key objective of the Department of Corrections and is a direct reflection of its commitment to reducing social inequalities.
Maori are part of the Polynesian cultures in the South Pacific and comprise 14.5 percent of the total population of approximately 3.7 million people in New Zealand. Maori are disproportionately represented in the correctional population. They comprise 53 percent of all offenders serving custodial sentences, 48 percent of all offenders serving community-based sentences, 59 percent of all female inmates and 51 percent of all male inmates.
In response the Department of Corrections has launched the Kaiwhakamana Policy, an initiative that aims to provide Maori with an opportunity to view and guide the delivery of corrections services to Maori inmates.
The policy allows Maori elders or spiritual or community leaders, greater and easier access to prisons and Maori inmates. People registered under the policy are known as Kaiwhakamana (the “Enablers”) and have access to any prison in the country during normal visiting hours, or outside these hours by arrangement with prison management.
National Systems and Services Manager Graeme Vercoe is excited about what the new policy is going to achieve.
“Maori have been calling for a greater involvement to contribute to the wellness and well-being of their people and this is just one of the ways the Department is working with them to achieve that.”
Graeme says the initiative will allow Maori inmates to be provided with advice on things like family relationships and personal and cultural matters; it will also assist them in returning to their communities.
The Department has also established a similar initiative for Pacific Island inmates, the Fautua Pasefika Policy. This also allows Pacific Island community leaders greater access to prisons in order to provide support and guidance to inmates of Pacific Island descent.
Photo caption:
Former Minister of Corrections Matt Robson (second from left) with registered Kaiwhakamana, from left, Bishop Whakahuihui Vercoe, Doris Te Parekore Vercoe and Maori programme provider Mita Mohi at the launch of the Kaiwhakamana Policy.