New Zealand’s rate of youth offending has been decreasing for some time. But there is a disproportionately high number of youth justice beds here relative to other comparable countries. The United Nations has already identified the human rights concerns with New Zealand’s low age of criminal responsibility and the disproportionate numbers of rangatahi Māori in the criminal justice system.
Co-authors UC lecturer in Political Science and International Relations, Dr Lin Mussell and UC lecturer for Aotahi School of Māori and Indigenous Studies, Jessica Niurangi Maclean share insights on what is working and why it is important to trust the evidence on The Conversation.
Disclosure statement
Jessica Niurangi Maclean provides services to Ara Poutama/Department of Corrections, including writing s27 cultural reports. She receives funding from Ara Poutama to develop and deliver Mana Wahine programmes at Christchurch Women's Prison.
Linda Mussell does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
