Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Hui to canvass strategies for specialist courts

Updated at 7:51 am on 13 February 2013

The first national hui for people who work in the Rangatahi and Pasifika Courts is to be held early next month.

It will discuss the recent evaluation of the rangatahi or youth courts commissioned by the Ministry of Justice.

Nga Kooti rangatahi strategies are being delivered consistently on five marae throughout the country. They include family group conferences, looking at why the offending occurred and ways for youth to turn their lives around through mentoring and other tailored programmes.

The evaluation late last year found rangatahi (youth) showed improved positive attitudes and behaviour and demonstrated responsibility for their offending and its impact.

The hui will be opened by Principal Youth Court Judge Andrew Beacroft. Other speakers will include Massey University professor Chris Cunningham, who will focus on adolescent development of Maori, police representatives and youth advocates.

A session on Pasifika Courts will feature Judge Ida Malosi.

The Rangatahi Courts hui will be held at Orakei Marae in Auckland on 7 March.

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