December 08, 2017
Maori focus units round for 20 years
Corrections is today marking the 20th anniversary of the first Maori focus unit opening at Hawke’s Bay Regional Prison.
There are now also units at Rimutaka, Waikeria, Whanganui and Tongariro prisons.
The units, and the kaupapa Maori rehabilitation programme delivered within them, are collectively known as Te Tirohanga.
Corrections Minister Kelvin Davis says the first unit marked the start of a truly kaupapa Maori approach to rehabilitating prisoners,
In the past 20 years more than 9,300 men have been through the units.
They are in a culturally supportive environment with interdisciplinary teams and a whanau centric approach to help prisoners address their offending.
Mr Davis says Te Tirohanga helps prisoners learn better attitudes and behaviours, strengthens their cultural identity, and motivates them to take up further treatment, education or training opportunities while in prison.
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