What Helps Māori on Probation Break the Cycle? Insights from Frontline Practice
This presentation shares findings from a research project exploring what helps Māori on probation achieve transformative outcomes. The study draws on interviews with probation officers and Māori on probation. Results suggest a range of multifaceted and complex factors interact and ultimately result in the likelihood of breaking the cycle of criminal behaviour.
Further analysis revealed the majority of themes aligned with the Meihana Model, an Indigenous cultural competence framework designed to provide a practical approach to delivering culturally safe practices for Māori and their whānau. The model helps probation officers see the full picture—not just the offence, but the wider context of a person’s well-being, including physical, mental, spiritual, social, and cultural dimensions. It offers a practical way to honour lived experience and work holistically with Māori and their whānau.
Importantly, the research also highlights that probation officers must be well-supported themselves — through quality supervision, culturally responsive, development, fair pay, and values-led leadership — to uphold the values of Meihana in practice.
This presentation advocates for probation to be seen as a space for understanding, connection, support and transformational growth.
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Victoria Barrett
Principal Adviser, Department of Corrections, New Zealand, Ara Poutama Aotearoa
Victoria is a Principal Adviser specialising in Organisational Psychologist at Ara Poutama Aotearoa (Department of Corrections), where she plays a key role in supporting leadership, recruitment, talent development and workforce strategy. She comes from both Scottish and Te Atiawa descent and has always had a desire to contribute to improving outcomes for Māori. Her research focuses on probation-related factors that influence transformation outcomes for Māori, with a particular interest in culturally responsive strategies. Victoria is currently holds a Master of Organisational Psychology and a Master of Human Management, alongside post graduate diplomas in Organisational Psychology and Business Administration. Her work bridges psychology theory and operational practice, continuing to evidence-based approaches that support equity and effectiveness in the justice system.
