Dubbed “Huarahi Hou” or “New Pathways”, ICP began receiving referrals in February 2018 with its first hearing being held at Tomairangi Marae on 6 March 2018.
With a mandate of operating as an alternative to court for low-level offending, ICP aims to reduce re-offending by enabling both participants and community to identify the underlying reasons for offending and work together to address them. It also offers first-time offenders an opportunity to maintain a clean record, avoid the court room and reduces government expenditure in the justice system.
In late 2018 ICP expanded with the addition of an ICP aligned social worker and He Tangata Driver Mentor programme. ICP Co-ordinator Mana Wright said “I am confident that ICP will continue to grow roots in the community and as a pillar of our justice system.”
Since inception there have been 45 hearings, with 140 participants referred. Of those 140, 133 attended hearings and 102 were complaint. 15 were non-compliant, 13 are still open, and 3 were referred back to police. This demonstrates that there is an 85% compliance rate, and this year alone a compliance rate of 91%.
Some of the outcomes of the completed hearings have included letters of apology, obtaining a learner licence or restricted licence, alcohol and drug referrals, Whanau Ora referrals, reparation (a total of $3918 paid), defensive driving course, and donations.