NZ world leader in justice initiatives for native peoples
An author and specialist on Maori inmates says New Zealand is leading the world in the way it works with indigenous people in jail and courts.
Hinewirangi Kohu-Morgan recently spoke at an international seminar on Access to Justice for Indigenous Peoples, in New York.
She also helped write the latest Maori rehabilitation programme, Mauri Tu Pae, which is circulating in the five Maori Focus Units that house about 300 men in prison.
Maori make up half of the prison population.
Ms Kohu-Morgan says no other country has special cultural units in prison for indigenous people or initiatives like such as marae-based youth courts.
She says New Zealand is unique in its approach and is moving in the right direction.
