She was relying on anecdotal evidence but said there were people sitting in police cells and jail because they could not find a suitable bail address.
"By using marae it would be a 'win-win' situation. The marae need some money and then this can be quickly sorted out."
Those on bail could carry out maintenance work such as painting, cleaning out spouting, mowing lawns and fitting light bulbs.
She said marae such as Pipiwai, Motatau, Karetu, Waikare, Otiria, Ngararatunua in the north could all do with assistance from able-bodied newly bailed defendants.
"There is a real crisis and tribal groups have to help out," she said.
"Our league has supported bail houses in every shape and form for decades but politicians typically fail to listen ... now it's at crisis point."
Lady Heeni said people before the courts in Auckland and Northland were often unable to get bail due to the housing crisis.
League lawyers applying for bail on behalf of clients at Manukau, Auckland and Northland during the Christmas period had bail applications turned down because electronic bail did not operate in rural areas or alternative addresses were difficult to find.
"After speaking with marae personnel in the north - and being informed that some marae require urgent assistance and another could even close up if it doesn't get help from the young ones – this is an idea that must be put into action immediately and one for the Minister of Corrections and Justice Minister to get on with immediately.
"I'm putting forward an idea that will resolve these issues. I can't do everything ... the marae can do the mahi."