December 19, 2017
Whangarei gets rangatahi court
A rangatahi court is to be set up at Terenga Paraoa Marae in Whangarei.
It will become the 15th rangatahi court since the first court was established in Gisborne in 2008.
Principal Youth Court Judge John Walker says providing culturally responsive justice is vital when two thirds of those appearing in the Youth Court are Maori.
Rangatahi courts aim to provide the best possible rehabilitative care for young offenders by reconnecting them with their cultural identity and meaningfully involving local Maori in the process.
The court, which will be officially opened on February 24, will initially be led by Hamilton-based Judge Denise Clark from Ngapuhi, who has developed rangatahi courts in Hamilton and Huntly, will be the presiding judge.
Whangarei’s Greg Davis, also from Ngapuhi, will take over as presiding judge later in 2018.
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