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Advocacy Group suggests Marae as bail address

Radio New Zealand

Auckland, January 20, 2018

Marae in Northland should be used as bail addresses for people with nowhere else to go but prison, a justice advocacy group has said.

The Sir Peter Williams QC Penal Reform League said that if introduced, it would help with accommodation shortages and the upkeep of marae.

Spokesperson Heeni Phillips-Williams said that those staying would pay board and help out around the marae, and in turn they would get wrap-around services.

“Depending on which marae … they can learn some te reo and they can also familiarise, or refamiliarise, or deepen their knowledge of, cultural aspects,” she said.

Helpful move

Auckland defence lawyer John Anderson said using marae as bail addresses would help those on electronic release who struggle to get permission to stay in private accommodation or in Housing New Zealand properties while awaiting trial.

Mr Anderson, who is not part of the League, said that it would save the taxpayer money and could allow people to continue working and maintain relationships with family.

The Minister of Corrections and the Minister of Justice had not been approached about the idea yet, but Pipiwai and Motatau marae in Northland were onboard, Lady Heeni said.

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The above Report of Radio New Zealand has been reproduced by Indian Newslink under a Special Agreement with www.rnz.co.nz

Image of a Marae by 123RF (Published by Radio New Zealand)

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