A new iwi-led remand service is aiming to reduce reoffending by keeping young Northland offenders in the region so they can connect with their culture.
Mahuru is a kaupapa Māori service which was launched on Monday to support young offenders who need to spend time away from home in a safe stable environment while they await their court hearing.
Aroha Tahere, Oranga Tamariki Youth Justice manager for Te Tai Tokerau, said until now the only option available to Oranga Tamariki, Police and the Youth and Rangatahi Court judges has been to place tamariki in facilities outside of the region.
"This increases their risk of reoffending and further disconnects them from their whānau and community," she said.
If a young person commits a crime in Te Tai Tokerau, they can be remanded into the custody of the chief executive of Oranga Tamariki by a Youth Court judge while they await their final court hearing.