Māori (indigenous population) are overrepresented in the Aotearoa New Zealand prison system, including in statistics involving violence and aggression within prison. This highlights systemic failures and the need for system responses that work for Māori in prison, their whānau (family), iwi (tribes), and hapū (sub-tribes).
This qualitative study focuses on Māori perspectives to identify effective strategies for responding to and de-escalating incidents of violence and aggression within the prison context in Aotearoa. It is underpinned by Kaupapa Māori theory, which places Te Ao Māori (the Māori world) and Mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge) at the centre of analysis, and assumes the validity and legitimacy of tikanga (Māori customs and protocols) and te reo Māori (the Māori language).
The findings of this study demonstrate that Indigenous methods of responding to violence and aggression have the potential to improve safety outcomes for Māori in prison, the staff who work with them, and Māori whānau and communities. These approaches are by Māori, for Māori, and they highlight both what Māori in prisons need from staff in a response, as well as the wisdom that expert Māori practitioners have shared in relation to this kaupapa (topic or purpose).
A report with findings and recommendations has been produced outlining:
• Strategies related to violence and aggression.
• Guidance on frontline staff responses in the moment.
• Guidance on post-incident responses and whānau inclusion.
The overall goal is to improve circumstances for Māori—and indeed others—within the prison system.
×
Mitchell Takiari
Principal Research Adviser, Department of Corrections, New Zealand, Ara Poutama Aotearoa
Tēnā koutou katoa. Ko Mitchell Takiari tōku ingoa. He uri ahau nō Waikato-Tainui me Ngāti Maniapoto.
Mitchell Takiari has worked in the justice sector in Aotearoa New Zealand for over a decade, holding roles as a programme facilitator, kaupapa Māori supervisor (supporting psychologists and programme staff), and negotiator within the Prison De-escalation and Negotiation Team. These experiences have shaped his commitment to culturally grounded, trauma-informed approaches to rehabilitation and reintegration.
He currently serves as a Principal Research Adviser for the Department of Corrections, where he leads qualitative research projects with a strong focus on improving outcomes for Māori. Mitchell draws on both academic learning and practical experience, holding a Master’s in Applied Indigenous Knowledge and a Postgraduate Diploma in Bicultural Supervision.
His research interests centre on the lived experiences of those within the corrections system, the integration of mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge) into policy and practice, and the transformative potential of Indigenous-led research. Mitchell is grateful for the opportunity to share insights from his work and looks forward to learning from fellow researchers and practitioners at this international gathering.
