Youth law advocacy group, Just Speak, is suggesting the whole criminal justice system needs reviewing to see if prevention programmes are really working.
A report on the Government's Drivers of Crime programme shows major progress for Maori youth.
It says offending by young Maori has dropped by nearly a third in four years, and the number of children admitted to hospital with preventable illness, is down 22%.
Just Speak spokesperson Tai Ahu says the report is positive, but shows only a small slice of what's happening and a much bigger picture is needed.
He says inequality within the criminal justice system is still a concern for Maori.