Monday 10 October

Corrections welcomes Waitangi Tribunal decision

The Department of Corrections welcomes the Waitangi Tribunal’s report into its use of Maori Culture Related Needs (MaCRNs) and Risk of Reconviction and Risk of Imprisonment (RoC*RoI) tools.

Department of Corrections Chief Executive Barry Matthews said he was pleased that the Tribunal found no prejudice in its use of RoC*RoI and that MaCRNs was considered a ground breaking tool.

The Tribunal concluded that there was insufficient evidence to establish that any prejudice has been, or is being, caused to Maori offenders. The report states that the Department ‘acted in good faith in seeking to reduce Maori re-offending through the development of RoC*RoI and MaCRNs’. Whilst the Tribunal has identified some inconsistencies with the principles of the Treaty, we are pleased that it was found not to have prejudiced Maori offenders.

Mr Matthews said he appreciates the work the Tribunal has put into this complex and extensive review. The suggestions made by the Tribunal will be helpful to the Department in progressing with the testing and evaluation of MaCRNs in 2006.

“We will continue with our planned testing of the effectiveness of MaCRNs in light of the Tribunal’s suggestions,” said Mr Matthews.

“We will consult widely with relevant groups to strengthen the tools we are currently using. The Department will also reflect on the suggestions made by the Tribunal on how the Department can improve its consultation.”

The Tribunal stated that “many of the ideas deriving from the general IOM framework and MaCRNs and their application may yet assist the common goal of reducing offending by all sections of New Zealand society”.

ENDS

© Scoop Media