Ngāpuhi is teaming up with Oranga Tamariki to provide an iwi-led service for Northland rangatahi (youth).
Photo: Oranga Tamariki
Mahuru is a kaupapa-Māori remand service aimed at reducing the risk of young people re-offending by providing one-to-one care, and fostering cultural values and tribal connections.
In the past year, 500 young people committed a crime serious enough to be placed in Youth Justice facilities or community based remand homes around the country.
Twenty-nine of those young people came from Northland and 26 were Māori.
Mahuru will be run by Ngāpuhi Iwi Social Services and Oranga Tamariki and gives Police and Youth and Rangatahi Court judges another option to consider when a young person commits a crime.
Young offenders will be assessed and placed with a caregiver - and wrap around services will enhance their identity as young Māori from Ngāpuhi.
Ngāpuhi Iwi Social Services general manager Liz Marsden said this was an opportunity to provide an innovative and values-based response driven by Ngāpuhi values, principles and narratives.
"As a new approach, we can elevate our own cultural practises and networks to help reduce re-offending and enhance the opportunities for young Ngāpuhi to lead positive lives."