A Ruapehu iwi leader says a welfare innovation plan has slashed domestic violence rates by half in its rohe.
The Ruapehu Whanau Innovation Plan has been running as a pilot scheme since 2011 and endorsed by Whanau Ora Minister Tariana Turia.
The programme was officially launched on 22 July.
Ngati Rangi Trust manger Che Wilson said the plan is about iwi and the Ruapehu community finding their own solutions to problems rather than depending on state intervention.
The iwi has supported the It's Not Ok and White Ribbon anti-violence campaigns over the past two years.
Mr Wilson said statistics from police indicate that domestic violence in Raetihi has fallen by 50%, while dropping by 30% in Ohakune.
He said the Ruapehu Whanau Innovation Plan is about reaching out to local businesses, churches, schools and health providers to work together and find solutions.
Ngati Rangi is working with police on campaigns to reduce other areas of crime within the Ruapehu District, he said.
