June 02, 2016
Respect for law from rangatahi courts
This week eight youth court judges including Heemi Taumaunu as well as kuia and kaumatua from round the country who assist in the court sessions were given an award by the Australasian Institute of Judicial Administration.
Judge Taumaunu says after eight years in operation the courts have proven their effectiveness as they deal with the young people in their own tikanga and cultural setting,
There are now 14 Maori courts.
"The law now speaks and acts in the languages and cultures of the people it is serving. We've effectively opened the doors to the strengths of the communities we are serving and it is my assessment of it over the last eight years that respect for the rule of law in our communities has been enhanced by the way that all of our communities have come together," Judge Taumaunu says.
JUDGE HEEMI TAUMAUNU INTERVIEW
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