Maori and the New Zealand Corrections System

• NCJ Number: 183089
• Journal: Forum on Corrections Research Volume: 12 Issue: 1 Dated: January 2000 Pages: 19-21
• Author(s): David A. Yeboah
• Editor(s): Larry Motiuk Ph.D.
• Date Published: 2000
• Length: 3 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: Canada

Annotation

The author examines issues related to the Maori (the indigenous people of New Zealand), and the New Zealand correctional system, with emphasis on such issues as high rates of offending and re-offending by Maori, socioeconomic characteristics of Maori, efforts to reduce Maori offending, special rehabilitation programs for Maori, the use of Maori providers to develop and deliver offender programs, and Maori prison and bicultural therapy.

Abstract

While people of Maori descent constitute only 6 percent (full Maori) and 13 percent (part Maori) of the New Zealand population, they are overrepresented in the criminal justice system. They constitute almost 50 percent of prison inmates and a substantial proportion of offenders serving community-based sentences. They are also more involved in violent crimes, including murder, aggravated robbery, and serious assaults such as domestic violence. Disparities between Maori and non-Maori are increasing, and these disparities are cited in research evidence on the relationship between socioeconomic status and criminal activity. New Zealand officials have initiated a major project involving all justice sector agencies to address Maori re-offending. In addition, initiatives have been developed to address the poor socioeconomic status of Maori in such areas as education, employment, income, and health. For example, the New Zealand Department of Corrections has recently introduced an inmate employment policy that allows inmates to gain skills and work experience by working in approved establishments outside the prison environment. Further, many rehabilitation initiatives are being implemented within the community to reduce Maori offending. Issues that affect the development of equitable rehabilitation programs for Maori offenders are addressed, and features of the Maori system of justice known as Marae are noted. 12 footnotes