Given that disproportionate rates of Maori imprisonment continue to rise it is vital that policy makers and analysts look for fresh ways to tackle the problem. To date the problem has not been resolved by drawing on international evidence taken from other developed nations which does not take into account Maori cultural values or worldviews. If we approach rangatahi Maori imprisonment as an issue of Maori significance then it seems appropriate to search for solutions that draw on kaupapa Maori (Maori centered) solutions.
It is with this in mind that this report draws on the Maori designed and delivered case study of Te Whare Ruruhau o Meri. [14] This is an example of a programme that draws on Maori cultural values to strengthen whanau (family), whanaungatanga (strengthening connections between individuals, families and society), Manaakitanga (looking after people) and aroha (empathy, understanding and love) to rehabilitate and heal recidivist domestic violence offenders and their whanau that demonstrates promising potential.
[14] ‘He Purongo Arotake: Te Whare Ruruhau o Meri Evaluation report’ found at Te puni kokori www.tpk.govt.nz