Ngati Ruanui Demand Resignation Of Corrections CEO

Te Runanga o Ngaati Ruanui Trust

Media Statement

After a hui with 200 people today representative of a cross-section of the local community, Ngati Ruanui is demanding the immediate resignation of Ray Smith CEO of the Department of Corrections following the actions he has taken in removing Ngapari Nui as Kaiwhakamana for prisons. The Iwi believe Ray Smith needs to take responsibility for the way in which their Kaiwhakamana was removed given that he made the appointment.

At a meeting today, in Hawera, Ngati Ruanui whanau said it was shameful that today Ray Smith has dispatched a commissioner, Jeremy Lightfoot, to meet with Mr Nui rather than coming himself.

Kaiarataki for Ngati Ruanui Debbie Ngarewa-Packer said the Iwi of Ngati Ruanui is deeply offended that there was no discussion with the iwi in advance of decisions being made.

Reactions to lobby groups in the media are not how the Crown and Iwi normally operate and it set a dangerous precedent to do so. This approach is likely to reflect the culture and poor understanding of the Corrections Department; Corrections just continue to get it wrong with a strong right wing approach by Judith Collins said Debbie.

Debbie Ngarewa-Packer said that the Commissioner visit was benign, there was no Terms of Reference of the review submitted and Iwi were completely shut out of any opportunity to provide feedback of a role that they have committed too for the last 6 years.

The process being used around the suspension of Mr Nui was seriously questioned and we got no answers said Debbie. Ngati Ruanui has sent a clear message today that the Corrections Department is out of touch with those on the ground who are dealing with those who enter and leave the prison system. It was clear that this Department have closed relationships with Iwi preferring to deal with a one-dymensional approach.

Ngati Ruanui and those like Ngapari Nui are the ones that make rehabilitation a reality. Throwing away the last ten years of hard and dedicated work is just a huge slap in the face for the Iwi of Ngati Ruanui and Ngapari.

Ngati Ruanui is also calling for a full and independent review of the action taken to date and proper and informed process about the Kaiwhakamana roles in our prisons.

Ngati Ruanui continues to call for a full apology from the Minister Judith Collins.

ENDS

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