A group representing lawyers and judges is commending a new police and iwi strategy to reduce the prosecution of Maori by 25% even though they say it's a long shot.
Maori make up more than 40% of all people arrested by police but represent only 15% of the general population.
Police and some senior iwi representatives announced on Thursday a Whanau Ora Crime and Crash Prevention strategy called The Turning of the Tides.
The police aim to change the way they deal with Maori, possibly referring some offenders to iwi for help - as well as using Whanau Ora services.
Criminal Bar Association president Tony Bouchier says reaching the 25% target is a stretch, but he supports the initiative.
He says other initiatives haven't worked and the rate of Maori offending remains appalling.
Mr Bouchier says there could be a better chance of success now Whanau Ora and tangata whenua are involved.
