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Taupo now has a rangatahi court.
Te Kooti Rangatahi ki Tuwharetoa was launched at Rauhoto Marae, Taupo on Saturday by Judge Alayne Wills, with Chief District Chief Judge Jan-Marie Doogue, Principal Youth Court Judge Andrew Becroft, and Ngati Tuwharetoa paramount chief Sir Tumu Te Heuheu in support.
Justice and Courts Minister Amy Adams says it’s the 14th such court.
By taking cases away from traditional adversarial courts, rangatahi courts aim to address offending by young Maori by involving communities in the youth justice process and encouraging strong cultural links.
Ms Adams says making young people stand up on their marae, in front of their family and their elders, and account for what they have done and how they are putting it right is a powerful, daunting and hopefully life-changing experience.
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