I want more for Maori & Pasifika tane who are over represented in New Zealand’s (justice) statistics. I want to use my walk, alongside vulnerable communities whilst working in the social services sector and whanau lived experience, to serve tane impacted by their relationships with prison.
The Masters of Community Action & Social Impact has provided a platform to sharpen my social justice lens with indigenous knowledge holders, build on my work in the trenches with those at the heart of this kaupapa and share my hopes with like minded peers, critical thinkers anddreamers. Being given the opportunity to delve deeper into the histories, politics and coal face realities, faced by those navigating predominantly pākeha systems of reintegration has broadened my understandings, and provided the necessary ‘next step’ for contributing to meaningful change.
I want tane completing a sentence or rebuilding their home lives, to have a choice and a voice, to work with practitioners whom they can rely on for continuity of care who hold a commitment to navigating legal rigours whilst being bold enough to walk the edges of popular ethics and advocate for client agency. Culturally responsive and responsible pou, who are resolved to creating spaces where tane can rely on relational, whai ora centred, talanoa and tuakana teina informed support. I want more for (our) Wayfinders & Warriors.
