February 15 2011

Restorative Justice Aotearoa (RJA) spokesperson, Tony Henderson has acknowledged the courage and compassion of family members of cyclists who were killed as a result of a collision on 14th November 2010. A car driven by Kristy King collided with a group of cyclists about 12km south of Morrinsville. Wilhelm Muller and Mark Ferguson died at the scene, and Kay Wolfe died of her injuries 4 days later in Waikato Hospital.

Early in February, Kristy agreed to take part in restorative justice “conferences” with families whose loved ones died as a result of the collision. Two separate conferences were held with members of two of the three families. The conferences were facilitated by Tim Clark and Sharon Stewart from Out of Court.

Restorative Justice is a collaborative process in which those affected by an incident of wrongdoing come together, in a safe and controlled environment, to share their experience and opinions truthfully, and resolve together how best to deal with its aftermath. The process is called "restorative" because it is concerned primarily with restoring, insofar as is possible, the dignity and well-being of those harmed by the incident. RJ conferences are a voluntary process for all participants and are confidential to the participants. This helps to ensure that people participate fully in the process without the fear of being coerced or being reported.

Tony Henderson said that this tragic case highlighted just how restorative justice can help meet the need many victims have to talk about the full impact of the offending and its effects on them and those close to them, in a safe environment, and to see the offender take responsibility and demonstrate accountability for his or her actions. Being able to know what actually happened, and why it happened is of huge importance for many victims.

The restorative justice process also provides an ideal means of enhancing victim input to the court process and for their views and perspective to inform the court without putting at risk the impartiality of the proceedings, or re-victimising the victim.

Restorative Justice Aotearoa is the umbrella organisation for restorative justice provider groups from around the country, and promotes the interests and best practice of restorative justice in New Zealand.

ENDS

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