10 Mar 2016

How iwi led justice panels are diverting some offenders away from crime

From Nine To Noon, 9:39 am on 10 March 2016

Funding is due to soon run out for three iwi led panels, which offer an alternative justice system for low level offenders. The three panels, in Lower Hutt, Gisborne and Counties Manukau, were set up in 2014, with the objective of diverting low-level offenders away from crime, and keep them out of the criminal justice system. The Justice Ministry has yet to decide whether it will continue funding them, saying while it appreciates the groundswell of enthusiasm, it has to consider the role and fit of the panels in the wider criminal justice system. Neville Baker is the chair of the Waiwhetu iwi led panel. Asher Hauwaho is the Iwi Liaison Officer for the Lower Hutt police.