Green Goals with Josh Cole

The Government's decision to cease funding pre-sentencing background reports has far-reaching implications for both the Māori and neurodivergent communities.

This plan not only lacks compassion and reason but also takes us further away from a justice system that treats everyone with the humanity, dignity, and respect they deserve.

While pre-sentencing and background reports are available to all, it is important to acknowledge the disproportionate impact on Māori and neurodivergent individuals within our courts.

This over-representation highlights the urgent need for change.

For far too long, our justice system has turned a blind eye to the underlying factors that contribute to crime.

Instead of providing adequate rehabilitation support, it has resorted to imprisoning individuals without addressing the root causes.

Requesting a background report allows judges to gain a deeper understanding of the circumstances that may have led to the offence, including substance abuse, personality disorders, learning difficulties, brain injuries, poverty, and trauma such as family violence and sexual violence.

Consider this startling fact: 60 per cent of Māori in prison have experienced family violence, totalling 2400 individuals.

By reducing the prison population and implementing more effective community-based sentences, we can address the issue of reoffending while also providing better rehabilitative outcomes.

Having access to comprehensive information enables informed sentencing and rehabilitation decisions that consider the personal circumstances of the offender.

This approach not only benefits the individual but also their whānau, community, and ultimately, Aotearoa as a whole.

It is crucial to recognize that without the valuable insights provided in cultural reports, the risk of future offending is likely to be higher.

National's "tough on crime" rhetoric fails to acknowledge this reality, serving only those in positions of power.

We need a government that is committed to restoring mana to our people and communities and one that recognises the intergenerational trauma that needs healing.

Meaningful alternatives to incarceration must be created, paving the way for a justice system that truly prioritises rehabilitation and community well-being.