Marae-based youth courts win accolade

JUSTICE PIONEER: Judge Heemi Taumaunu, pictured speaking at the World Congress on Juvenile Justice in Geneva 2015, launched the first Rangatahi court at Te Poho o Rawiri Marae in 2008. He developed the idea after traveling to Australia in 2008, at the behest of Chief Judge, the late Judge Russell Johnson, and Principal Youth Court Judge Andrew Becroft, to investigate how Australia adjusted its court processes for Aboriginal youth offenders. Judge Taumaunu saw an opportunity to learn from and develop the Australian Koori Court model on the marae, on a case-by-case basis, to reconnect alienated young people. Picture supplied

THE Rangatahi and Pasifika Youth Courts, first developed in Gisborne under Judge Heemi Taumaunu, have gained international recognition for their innovative community-based approach to justice.

In a ceremony at Auckland’s Orakei Marae yesterday, judges and kaumatua working in the 14 Rangatahi and two Pasifika Courts throughout the country received the 2015 Award for Excellence in Judicial Administration from the Australasian Institute of Judicial Administration (AIJA).

The award recognises the judges and court staff who developed the courts, and the Maori communities involved.

The courts met the award criteria of improving access to justice, demonstrating innovation and delivering real benefits for the justice system.

The selection panel said it was particularly impressed by the way in which Maori communities had assisted their own young offenders to achieve youth justice.

Rangatahi Courts started in Gisborne in 2008 at Te Poho o Rawiri Marae.

Judge Heemi Taumaunu adapted the concept from Koori Courts in Western Australia and Victoria, which also cater for indigenous youth offenders.

Reconnecting young offenders with their cultural identityUsing a marae-based environment, Rangatahi Courts aim to reconnect young offenders with their cultural identity by involving the Maori community and incorporating the language, protocols and customs.

The Pasifika Courts run on a similar model adapted for Pacific Island cultures.

Developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Justice, the courts are an option for youth offenders after a first appearance in the Youth Court and a Family Group Conference.

The option is open to all ethnicities yet has a focus on Maori and Pasifika, who appear disproportionately in crime statistics.

There are now nine judges running the courts in Auckland, Hamilton, Huntly, Rotorua, Taupo, Whakatane, Tauranga, Gisborne, New Plymouth and Christchurch.

Chief District Court Judge Jan-Marie Doogue and Principal Youth Court Judge Andrew Becroft nominated the judges for the award.

Proud that initiators are honoured“We can all feel proud that those who developed this uniquely New Zealand way of delivering justice into the heart of our communities have been honoured,” they said.

“These judges have taken courageous and significant steps on behalf of their own people to develop this innovative and culturally-appropriate response to Maori and Pasifika youth offending.

“To pioneer these courts, at times they have placed their individual mana and standing within their own communities on the line.

“They have been challenged by both the legal community and their own communities, and have been accountable to both. We are delighted their commitment has been recognised in this way.”

Although the award was announced late last year, yesterday was the first opportunity for many of those involved in the courts to come together to accept the award.