Labour MP Nanaia Mahuta hopes the latest launch of a marae-based court for young Maori will stop them entering the justice system.
The sixth Rangatahi Court was launched at Te Ohaaki Marae in Huntly on Saturday.
Ms Mahuta says she believes the court will work well for young people because the hearings will be held in a community-based marae, and those in the community may be able to help judges decide on sentencing options for young people.
The first hearing for the Waikato Rangatahi Court is planned for 15 September at Kirikiriroa Marae in Hamilton.
