Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated has announced the signing of two documents that signal the willingness of two key Crown Agencies to work in partnership with iwi.
The partnership will explore fresh and innovative approaches based on tīkanga and whakapapa to address rates of incarceration, improve rehabilitation and increase successful reintegration of whānau back into the community.
Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Chairman Ngahiwi Tomoana signed the Kawenata "Whakaritenga Pāhekoheko" with Ara Poutama Aotearoa (Department of Corrections) chief executive Ray Smith and Minister of Corrections Kelvin Davis.
The establishment formalises the relationship with Ngāti Kahungunu iwi through the Kawenata to create better outcomes for whānau.
The Kawenata captures the spirit of the partnership and objectives to work collectively and collaboratively to co-design and co-lead new initiatives and programmes that will reduce recidivism and increase whānau capability and resilience once released.