Research Findings: Research on the New Life Akoranga Programme on the Mahi Tahi Trust

• NCJ Number: 204166
• Author(s): Nan Wehipeihana; Laurie Porima
• Date Published: December 2003
• Length: 12 pages
• Sponsoring Agency: New Zealand Ministry of Justice
• Sale Source: New Zealand Ministry of Justice
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Program/Project Description
• Language: English
• Country: New Zealand
• Note: "Research Findings," No. 4, December 2003.

Annotation

This report presents the methodology and findings of two studies of New Zealand's New Life Akoranga Program, which is designed to help Maori inmates reform their lives in the context and under the influence of traditional Maori principles, values, and disciplines.

Abstract

The program is composed of four main components. An initial orientation describes to the inmates the program content, structure, and rules. A 4-day residential wananga then introduces participants to traditional Maori principles and values and includes time for whanau involvement. Post wananga follow-up interviews aim to reinforce any attitudinal and behavioral changes that stemmed from the wananga. Finally, whanau hui involves participants sharing what they have learned in the wananga; the assistance of whanau is elicited to encourage and support behavioral and attitudinal changes. Key themes addressed in the wananga include Te Ahua (identity), which affirms participants' identity as Maori through the exploration of whakapapa. Matauranga Maori (Maori knowledge) explores what it means to be Maori within the context of tikanga. Te Tangata (individual responsibility) presents Maori values and social structures as credible and relevant examples on which participants can model their lives. Te Mana o te Wahine examines the critical role of women within the whanau structure and explores male-female relationships. Te Mana o te Wahine is the culmination of the formal teaching and compels participants to examine their own behavior and the impact of their offending on whanau, particularly spouses or partners. The two research studies documented the value of this indigenous approach to the rehabilitation of Maori inmates, provided an ongoing information and feedback for planning improvements, and determined the magnitude of the program's impact on offending behavior. The research concluded that the program on its own cannot reduce reconviction rates, although the program did provide a significant motivation for inmates to change their lives. The research suggests than an integrated range of programs combined with postrelease follow-up is essential for assisting participants to implement their motivation to change after release from prison.