The Ratana Church supports a Government move towards the Youth Court adopting marae style methods for dealing with troubled young Maori.
Prime Minister John Key spoke about ways of tackling social problems among Maori during his speech at the annual Ratana celebrations on Friday, an event marking the birthday of the church's founder.
Mr Key said the Youth Court could model the marae strategy, such as allowing young people to talk in court rather than relying solely on law representation.
Ratana spokesman Andre Meihana agrees with the Prime Minister, but also suggests more young Maori who committed crimes should be taken back to the marae to 'front up'.
