"If they are not steered in a better direction they might be heading that way.
"They may be youths already showing signs of anti-social behaviour, associating with offenders, truancy or minor offending that hasn't been registered such as shoplifting, trespassing, or fights."
Mr Gibson said it was a holistic programme designed to engage youths with learning and understanding about traditional ways, crafts, skills and Te Ao Maori, combined with contemporary teaching. It would have NCEA credits, and help guide youths into employment or training.
"The young person is the captain of the waka, but they need help to steer it. It will be lots of different subjects taught over the period, and they will be assessed."
The 12-week module would finish with the group taking an eight-day voyage on a waka with Hawaiki Rising Trust, which conducts youth development programmes in a maritime environment.
"With all youth work there needs to be a celebration of transformation, and the waka voyage also gives an opportunity for their new found skills to be assessed in an abstract way."
There would be an aftercare programme lasting up to 18 months.
"This is an essential part and support will only taper off when the waka is continuing to point in the right direction."
Mr Gibson said the efficiency of the programme would be analysed by PhD researchers at Waikato University, who would compare the outcomes with a group from a similar demographic who had not had the opportunity to undertake the programme.
He said this empirical evidence could mean the scheme would be rolled out nationally.
"It is a trial that we hope will prove what we already know, that connecting people to their culture gives them a sense of purpose and belonging that helps them change direction from a path of offending, crime and even prison, to a more constructive journey through the world."
The funding would hopefully come from a combination of contributions from the Ministry of Social Development, New Zealand Community Trust, the Lotteries Commission and other organisations, Mr Gibson said.
The programme would begin in November.