Opinion: Maori-based programme for offenders worth a shot

Former meth criminal Billy Macfarlane. Photo/File

Today we report on plans by Billy Macfarlane to start a rehabilitation programme for 10 of Rotorua's high risk offenders - wrapping them in Maori culture over a 12-month period.

Inevitably this will be met with cynicism by some who would question whether tikanga and te reo courses can turn around hardened criminals.

Macfarlane's own criminal past may also be cause for scepticism. Yet Judge Louis Bidois, local kaumatua and the police all believe Macfarlane is genuine in his desire to make a difference and have backed the programme.

And what better - and more relatable - role model than someone who has been down a wrong path and turned their life around?

Clearly, the current system is not working for many Maori, who continue reoffending and ending up back in prison. So it's worth giving this a go in my view - good luck to Macfarlane and the course participants.

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On a personal note, after a couple of years of putting this newspaper to bed every night as deputy editor, I am off to give the same thing a try with a human baby.

I head off on maternity leave knowing the paper is in safe hands. And although there is a touch of sadness when I think of all the stories I won't be part of telling over the coming months, I reckon this new challenge will be just as fulfilling as any front page scoop.

To all our subscribers and regular readers, take care of yourselves, and bye (for now!).