E ngā rau rangatira mā, e kui mā, e koro mā, e huihui mai nei i tēnei wā, tēnei aku mihi māhana ki a koutou. Nau mai, haere mai rā ki Te Whare o te Kāwana Tianara o Tāmaki Makaurau.
I would like to begin by specifically acknowledging: Judge James Johnston, National Executive Judge; Dame Naida Glavish and Dame Carolyn Henwood, Co-Chairs, Te Korowai O Taonui Charitable Trust; Rob Campbell, Mathew Rua, Stacey Morrison and Jessica Reid Trustees, Te Korowai O Taonui Charitable Trust
I am deeply honoured to host the launch of the Te Korowai O Taonui Charitable Trust – an initiative so necessary to the livelihood and wellbeing of our most vulnerable rangatahi. It is heartening to see so many of this country’s influential leaders, thinkers and educators in the room today advocating for this cause.
It is a sad fact that Māori constitute over 50% of the prison population despite making up only 17% of the general population. It’s also a fact that in 2025, 65% of all youth receiving a court order were Māori.
Advocates and researchers have identified a link between ‘criminality’ and the alienation experienced by an imposed criminal justice system. While understanding this, we also need to find solutions to avoid embedding criminal labelling and institutionalisation within the justice and corrections systems.
It has been through the courage of leaders such as Chief District Court Judge Heemi Taumaunu and Dame Caroline Henwood, that tikanga Māori is becoming more widely accepted in our justice system. There is true hope that these interventions, such as those being celebrated tonight, lead to more effective outcomes for rangatahi Maori - for example we have witnessed an over 60% reduction in re-offending by young Māori in the past decade. We have an obligation to act justly - and now we also have rigorous evidence-based research of the effectiveness of such interventions. We can and must provide a justice system that is culturally relevant to the communities it is serving - and in this way better serve all our communities.
Te Korowai O Taonui is a natural complement to Judge Taumaunu’s work - a helping hand extended beyond the Rangatahi Courts that does not let our young people falter at the final hurdle. The Trust has identified the need to lead our rangatahi out of the justice system guided by tikanga, aroha and whakawhanaungatanga.
As I was reflecting on these facts, and understanding the kaupapa of the Trust, the following whakataukī came to mind:
“Ka pu te ruha, ka hao te rangatahi” - when the old net is cast out, the new net goes fishing”
When our young people are caught up in behaviours and a system that diminishes their potential, then we all lose out. When they are guided towards more meaningful outcomes, we all benefit. Our rangatahi are our leaders of tomorrow if they are given the opportunity to be so.
As many of you gathered here today will know, leadership is about character, resilience, service and opportunity. It is undeniable that we are all products of our past, but that does not mean we should be defined by its shortcomings. We have a responsibility to offer our young people an inheritance that elevates, educates and empowers them.
It was Eleanor Roosevelt who asked: “Where, after all, do universal human rights begin? In small places, close to home—so close and so small they cannot be seen on any maps of the world.”
Those trivial seeming provisions that should be afforded to all – a listening ear, access to education, a warm home – can make all the difference in allowing our rangatahi to thrive. Our young people deserve kindness and care, along with responsibility and accountability.
I thank each and every one of you for choosing to dedicate your time and expertise to this cause. I look forward to watching the progress of Te Korowai O Taonui as it begins to make real and meaningful change to our rangatahi.
Ngā mihi nui. Kia maia, kia manawanui, kia kaha e koutou.