Maori party co leader Pita Sharples is pushing for the establishment of alternative rehabilitation centres for Maori prisoners.
He says high reoffending rates make it clear that what he calls "the current monocultural approach" is not working.
Waatea News reports that Maori make up half the prison population.
Dr Sharples says Maori should have more say, not just in the ownership and management of prisons, but in finding viable alternatives.
