21 Jun 2010

New marae-based youth courts for Auckland, Taranaki

2:41 pm on 21 June 2010

Auckland and Taranaki will each get a new marae-based Youth Court this week.

Rangatahi courts are already operating on marae in Manurewa and Waitakere in Auckland, and another in Gisborne.

Another court at Orakei Marae, near Mission Bay in Auckland, will open on Tuesday and the fifth court at Taranaki's Owae Marae opens on Saturday.

Chief District Court Judge Russell Johnson says the model has been successful because young Maori offenders have more respect for marae than traditional court hearings.

Judge Johnson says it has been interesting trying to contain the interest from marae around the country wanting a Rangatahi Court, but he says he needs to temper the marae courts' popularity with the Justice Ministry's local resourcing.

Taranaki kaumatua Harry Nicholas says it took six months of judicial lobbying to bring the court to Owae Marae in Waitara, and says he will attend every sitting.

Mr Nicholas says the onus is now on the young offenders to co-operate.