Iwi Community Panels
An alternative resolution process for low-level offenders. Focusing on education, prevention and accountability. Service provided by Nga Kete Matauranga Pounamu Charitable Trust in partnership with police, local iwi and the wider community.
What are Iwi Community Panels?
What are Iwi Community Panels?
- ICP are a community-led alternative to court for low-level offenders.
- Offenders (known as participants) appear in front of a panel of three volunteer community members.
- Inquisitive hearing with a purpose of discovering the underlying reasons for offending and determine outcomes to
address these - We want to affect long-term social and behavioral change to reduce reoffending. - Eligible participants avoid court and conviction.
- Police can refer a participant to the ICP if they are aged 17 years or over, the offence carries six months’ imprisonment or less (and is not an offence related to family violence or methamphetamine use) and the participant admits guilt.
- Police have full discretion as to whether they choose to refer to ICP as opposed to diversion or court.
- ICP is completely voluntary, participants have every right to plead their innocence and pursue it through court instead.
- Anyone aged over 17 years.
- A prominent community member with a desire to create change.
- An ability to treat all participants the same and with respect and dignity.
- A diversity of age, ethnicity and gender.
- Training will be provided to all panel members.
- Victims are always consulted, invited to attend and encouraged to bring whanau.
- The panel of three, an observer and a police officer will be present, to answer questions of law and to provide relevant information when appropriate.
- Nga Kete is a social services hub with the ability to refer internally and externally i.e. Addictions Service, Whanau Ora, parenting courses etc).
- Outcomes should be tailored to each participant and should address their reasons for offending. Education and prevention – Not punishment.
- Reparation.
- Apology letters.
- Community work.
- Educational course (defensive driving, driver licensing, Frontline etc.)
- After the hearing, the ICP co-ordinator will decide the timeframe the participant has to complete the tasks.
- In the weeks following the hearing the ICP co-ordinator will work with the participant to help them complete their outcomes.
- Once the outcomes are completed the co-ordinator can close their file.
- We are required to return files as non-compliant if the participant does not complete their outcomes in the given
time – Police will prosecute at their discretion.
Iwi Community Panel Service Updates
Mana Wright
Iwi Community Panels Co-ordinator
Phone: (03) 214 5260
Free Phone: 0800 925 242
E: mana.wright@kaitahu.maori.nz
Iwi Community Panels Co-ordinator
Phone: (03) 214 5260
Free Phone: 0800 925 242
E: mana.wright@kaitahu.maori.nz