The Youth Court is to sit each fortnight at Manurewa marae, in a move welcomed by police.
Judge Greg Hikaka will preside over hearings at the marae, following a successful pilot at Gisborne's Te Poho o Rawiri marae, the court announced on Thursday.
Superintendent Wally Haumaha, the national manager of Maori, Pacific and ethnic services, told Waatea News it represents a turning point in the way youth justice will operate.
Some Auckland judges have told him they are keen to launch the youth courts in other areas of the city, he says, and talks are also underway with Ngai Tahu about sittings in Christchurch, perhaps at Nga Hau e Wha marae.
