22 February 2016

Ex prisoners help reduce re-offending

Prisoners at Waikeria are motivated to make positive changes in their lives following the delivery of a Tikanga Māori programme facilitated by ex-prisoners in their role as kaiako (teacher).

Seen as the first step in the journey of rehabilitation for some prisoners, the Mahi Tahi Trust’s New Life Akoranga Wānanga helps prisoners to discover and recover traditional Māori principles, values and disciplines.

Assistant Prison Director Jim Watson believes reconnecting people with their culture can be a catalyst for change,

“All the Department of Corrections’ tikanga programmes are based on four kaupapa, which underpin Te Ao Māori: wairuatanga (spirituality), whanaungatanga (relationships), manaakitanga (caring for each other, hospitality), and rangatiratanga (leadership).

“This kaupapa helps participants to understand that their cultural inheritance has value, that their offending is at odds with tikanga Māori and that their whakapapa has the power to motivate and sustain them in making profound changes in their outlook and behaviour.”

Delivered for more than 20 years in prisons, the Trust has seen many kaiako act as powerful role models and inspiration for tāne who have gone on to make genuine positive changes.

Jim highlights that by focusing on taking responsibility for offending behaviour and providing a strong foundation for further therapeutic programmes, education, and employment opportunities, the programme has significant impact,

“The latest Mahi Tahi programme held at Waikeria’s Te Ao Marama Unit had a profound effect on the tauira (students) which was even reflected across the entire site. For some of the prisoners who have been in and out of the system for a while, there is a desire to change, and all the pieces of the puzzle are there, it’s just about giving them the tools to see the wider picture and how they might need to put that together to get the outcome they want. Then we can help them plan the interventions that they need before they are released. ”

One participant of the programme describes how the importance of whānau drove his motivation to change,

"What really stood out for me was the kaiako and how he explained when he had to change from being a patched gangster for many years to being the person he is today - a friend, father, grandfather and husband. The realisation that if he had continued his gangster life of drugs and alcohol; the impact it would've been detrimental to his whānau.”

Vince Copeland from the Mahi Tahi Trust explains how the onus is put on the prisoners to choose to make change,

“It is always emphasized during the wānanga that, ultimately it is the participant’s decision whether they wish to change or not. If the participant believes that they don’t need to change, then they can expect a future that will see them returning to prison. However, if they come to the realisation that a future without prison is possible, then the effectiveness of therapeutic and rehabilitative programmes is enhanced.”

Māori over-representation in the offender population is a long-standing issue of concern for the Department of Corrections. The Department is committed to working effectively with Māori offenders, their whānau and their wider communities to ensure better outcomes.

ENDS

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