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Media Release dated 5 July 2016, 4:33pm
Iwi leader appalled at Minister’s behaviour
Te Rūnanga o Ngā Wairiki-Ngāti Apa chairperson Pahia Turia says he is appalled at the recent decision to stand down Ngāpari Nui from his role as Kaiwhakamana with the Department of Corrections, a role he was appointed to by Ngāti Ruanui. This is while an investigation into his gang affiliation is underway. It is considered that the public manner in which this matter has been handled is disgraceful.
Ngapāri is also an uri (descendant) of Ngā Wairiki and Ngāti Apa and has had a long history of supporting Māori men in prisons. His work for Māori inside and outside of the prison system has been recognised by Iwi and community leaders from across Te Taihauauru. He is a humble man with a huge heart for his people.
Turia is highly critical of the role that the Sensible Sentencing Trust has played in attacking Ngāpari Nui, and says “they are that far out of touch with reality that one has to wonder where the sensible bit comes into play”. The rates of Māori incarceration in this country are shameful, and Māori leaders have been calling for a greater focus on rehabilitation and reintegration for years. Consider that Māori are 15% of the population in this country, but Māori men make up 50% of the male prison population whilst for Māori women it is more like 60%.
Turia says “it is people like Ngāpari and the work that they continue to do that is making a difference for these people”. History shows that the Government has consistently failed to address these incredibly high rates of Māori imprisonment. People like Ngāpari Nui are stepping into the breach, he has reached a stage in his life where he is living an exemplary lifestyle and is dedicated to helping and inspiring others.
Ngāpari, like everyone working with the prison population, should be judged on the quality of the work that he does and the outcomes for the people that he works with. His standing in his Iwi and his reputation in his community should also have been taken into account along with a full understanding of any ongoing gang affiliation he may have, prior to any decision to stand him down and plaster his name and photo all over the media.
Ngā Wairiki and Ngāti Apa have a close association with the Whanganui Prison where Ngāpari has been volunteering, and as a settled group that is supposed to be enjoying a strong Treaty based relationship with the Crown, would have expected to be consulted on this matter which affects a respected Iwi member. Instead, rash decisions have been made, and a good person has been hung out to dry. Given that this has happened to someone that is known and respected, and because of the way the Minister has handled the matter, Turia feels a responsibility to speak out and voice his disapproval at this appalling conduct. Turia stated that “I hold grave concerns that high rates of Māori imprisonment and recidivism will simply continue under the kind of leadership and approach that is being demonstrated by this Minister.”
Copyright © 2016, UMA Broadcasting Ltd: www.waateanews.com
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