Youth expo to prevent young Maori from reoffending

Whakatane Community Corrections is helping under-25 year old offenders navigate local employment and education opportunities through a Maori Youth Expo.

Maori offenders from Kawerau to Te Kaha, whose sentences are being managed by Community Corrections, will have the opportunity to hear from tertiary education institutions, sporting organisations, health care providers, emergency and military services, and youth mentors next week at the expo.

The day will be interactive, starting with the high ropes course, testing self confidence, problem solving skills and team work.

Corrections Bay of Plenty district manager Pauline Moran said she recognised the importance of initiatives like this.

"It is really important we help our young people onto suitable employment or education pathways.

"As a department we are committed to reducing reoffending by 25 per cent by 2017 and research shows there is a strong link between employment and reduced reoffending."

Ms Moran said providing opportunities such as this not only helped the department achieve its goals, but added to the social wellbeing of the community.

The Expo is part of Corrections' commitment to reducing reoffending by young Maori offenders who have higher rates of convictions and reconvictions.

There are still spaces left for employers or education and training providers who may be interested in having a stand on the day.

Contact expo organiser Helen Collier from Whakatane Community Corrections on (07) 307 1639 for more information.