Policy Recommendations
An analysis of past literature and Maori designed and implemented initiatives to address disproportionate rates of Maori and rangatahi Maori imprisonment has lead to the following recommendations.
- More research and resources should be directed toward both understanding and resolving high rangatahi Maori imprisonment rates. The bulk of research done in this area focuses on Maori generally rather than on focusing on what works for rangatahi Maori specifically. Adressing the issue early in life creates the potential for better futures. More research should be directed toward understanding the socio-economic factors leading to rangatahi imprisonment.
- Fresh approaches are required that draw on the wealth of Maori cultural values. The application of Maori values such as whanau that involve both the offender and their family have demonstrated some success. These should be harnessed for future programmes along with the principles of whanaungatanga, mannakitanga and aroha. The interweaving of these principles can lead to a more secure cultural identity and provide a toolkit for Maori to draw on to resolve tensions as they surface.
- Maori designed and delivered initiatives should continue to be funded. As shown initiatives designed and delivered by Maori have meet certain levels of success. These initiatives demonstrate potential and should be extended to understand results within larger groups of populations.