12 Apr 2017

Corrections failing Maori: Waitangi Tribunal

From Morning Report, 7:53 am on 12 April 2017

There's a political push for gang affiliates to be allowed back into prisons to work with inmates.

cells criminal generic

Photo: 123RF

The Waitangi Tribunal has found the Corrections department isn't doing enough to reduce high rates of Maori reoffending.

In a harshly critical report it suggests the department take urgent action to create a Maori strategy and to set proper targets.

Ngapari Nui's years of work inside jails came to an end last year after Judith Collins learned of his gang connections.

Ngapari Nui was prevented from working in jails due to his gang connections.

Ngapari Nui was prevented from working in jails due to his gang connections. Photo: RNZ

He told Morning Report he hopes the Waitangi Tribunal findings prompt Corrections to sit down with iwi to come up with a solution.