‘Crown Agencies to work in partnership with iwi’
Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated is pleased to announce the signing of two documents that signal the willingness of two
key Crown Agencies to work in partnership with Iwi; to explore fresh and innovative approaches based on tīkanga and
whakapapa to address rates of incarceration, improve rehabilitation and increase successful reintegration of our whānau
back into our community.
Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Chairman Ngahiwi Tomoana signed the Kawenata “Whakaritenga Pāhekoheko” with Ara Poutama Aotearoa
(Department of Corrections) Chief Executive Ray Smith and Minister of Corrections Hon Kelvin Davis. This establishment
formalises the relationship with Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi through the Kawenata to create better outcomes for whānau. The
Kawenata captures the spirit of our partnership and objectives to work collectively and collaboratively to co-design and
co-lead new initiatives and programmes that will reduce recidivism and increase whānau capability and resilience once
released.
Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi, Ngā Pirihimana o Aotearoa and Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga also signed an agreement to establish Te
Pae Oranga (Iwi Community Panels) in Hawke’s Bay. Minister for Police Hon Stuart Nash stated at the launch of Te Pae
Oranga, that many people that commit an offence do so through a single bad decision, that doesn’t make them bad. Te Pae
Oranga gives them an opportunity through the community panels to be offered the support they need to address their
behaviour and provide reparation rather than be subjected to the court system and/or incarcerated. Te Taiwhenua o
Heretaunga is the chosen provider and will work with communities within Hawke’s Bay to select potential community
panellists and provide Te Pae Oranga.
Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi will explore every avenue to make these initiatives successful for our whānau. These relationships
will continue to mature with the express interest and support from the Minister for Corrections Hon Kelvin Davis and the
Minister for Police Hon Stuart Nash who both have strong local connections to our community.
Tihei Kahungunu.