21 Nov 2011

Rangatahi Courts for Maori and non-Maori

7:43 am on 21 November 2011

The latest marae-based Youth Court says anyone can attend - not just Maori.

While Rangatahi Courts are focussed on young Maori, the Ministry of Justice says both Maori and non-Maori are eligible to attend.

Papakura Marae in Auckland heard its first Youth Court case last Monday - the ninth marae to host Te Kooti Rangatahi.

Marae chief executive Tony Kake says anyone is welcome, but the proceedings will be under tikanga Maori values.

He says if people want to chose the marae process it will be kaupapa-based and the marae won't change the way it operates.

Tony Kake says it's up to the justice system to decide who attends Rangatahi Courts.