Courts Minister Georgina Te Heuheu says, while it is difficult to judge the success of rangatahi courts in reducing reoffending by young Maori, they are having a positive effect.
The initiative, which began on Te Poho o Rawiri marae in Gisborne three years ago, gives offenders the chance to have a family group conference in a setting where Maori protocol applies.
There are now nine Kooti Rangatahi in operation. The latest one was opened by Mrs Te Heuheu in Papakura on 1 October.
Mrs Te Heuheu says she's been impressed by the interest families of offenders attending the court are showing in achieving a better outcome for their children.
Young offenders appearing before the Kooti Rangatahi undergo counselling or community service and must also deliver a mihi or speech about themselves.
The aim of the court is to help them make better decisions about their future.
