Information Lacking on Māori Youth Courts

Information is needed on the rate of re-offending by Māori youth attending the Rangatahi (Māori Youth) Courts, says New Zealand First.

“The Minister for Courts Amy Adams does not keep any record of the re-offending rate of the 1100 Māori youth who have appeared before a Rangatahi Court since their inception in 2008,” says New Zealand First Māori Affairs Spokesperson, Pita Paraone.

“How can the Minister be confident that this initiative is working, if there is no data to show whether offenders are benefiting from appearing before a Rangatahi Court?” says Mr Paraone.

“Evidence needs to be made available by the government to demonstrate that the courts have a positive impact on Māori youth.

“If Rangatahi Courts are not reducing the over-representation of Māori in the criminal justice system as intended, then the investment needs to be re-allocated into resources where results can be seen,” Mr Paraone said.

ENDS

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