Failure to slash Maori reoffending rates a breach of Treaty obligations, says Waitangi Tribunal

A failure to address high Maori reoffending rates means the Crown has breached its Treaty of Waitangi obligations. Picture / Christine Cornege

The Waitangi Tribunal says the Crown is breaching its Treaty obligations because it hasn't slashed high reoffending rates by Maori.

The results from an inquiry are out from a claim lodged by retired senior probation officer Tom Hemopo.

The Tribunal says the difference in reoffending between Maori and non-Maori is undisputed, longstanding and substantial.

It says the Corrections Department has no specific plan or budget even though the Justice sector announced a broad target to reduce Maori reoffending.

The tribunal says at least 10-thousand Maori children are likely to have a parent in prison.

It says the situations urgent and it wants Corrections to come up with a new plan with specific targets.