They’re Our Whānau Report Launch

A collaborative research project between ActionStation and the University of Otago which gathers Māori perspectives on, and vision for, our justice system

WHEN:
Wednesday, 3 October 2018 from 5.30pm — 7.30pm

WHERE:
Nordmeyer Lecture Theatre, University of Otago
23 Mein Street, Newtown, Wellington

REGISTER:
RSVP on Facebook here or register using this link here. We will also live-stream the event so keep an eye on our Facebook page for that.

BACKGROUND

Right now, we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform our justice system so that it better serves humanity.

Here’s why we have to seize it:

• 77 percent of the people in our prisons have once been a victim of violence;
• 64 percent of people in prison have suffered a traumatic brain injury, compared with just two percent of the general population;
• Two-thirds of the people in prison do not have basic literacy skills;
• More than 90 percent of people in prison have mental health or addiction issues;
• 23,000 children currently have a parent in prison. These kids are nine times more likely to end up in prison than a child who doesn’t have a parent in prison;
• The Government spends more on locking up people in prison every two years than the entire history of Treaty settlements put together.

In short: our justice system fails to support victims of violence, locks up people with brain injuries, mental health issues and low levels of literacy and imprisons generations of families.

It doesn’t have to be this way.

Next week, we are presenting They’re Our Whānau a collaborative research project between ActionStation and Otago University on Māori perspectives and solutions to our justice crisis.

The research compiles the perspectives of over 900 Māori survey participants, seven experts through interviews, and a literature review. It was conducted by 20 fourth year medical students under the supervision of Dr. Whaea Keri Lawson-Te Aho and ActionStation Director Laura O’Connell Rapira.

The release of this research comes at a crucial time.

The government has appointed a working group (the Safe and Effective Justice Advisory Panel) to investigate the problems with, and solutions for, our justice system.

We believe Māori voices and views must take prominence in this process.

Join us to launch this important research, and learn how you can get involved in the campaign to transform our justice system.

RSVP on Facebook here or register using this link here. We will also live-stream the event so keep an eye on our Facebook page for that.