Te Ao Marama: Improving whānau experiences through the judicial system

Tai Timu, Tai Pari the Taitokerau Commissioning Agency representing Ngati Hine Health Trust, Te Uri O Hau, Te Hau Awhiowhio o Otangarei Trust and He Iwi Kotahi Tatou Trust invited the Chief District Court Judge Heemi Taumaunu, Principal Family Court Judge Jackie Moran, Ministry of Justice representatives, iwi and tangata whenua leaders to initiate local development and support of Te Ao Marama - a judicially led kaupapa aimed at improving the experience and outcomes for whānau to ensure they are heard, understood and able to participate meaningfully throughout the judicial process.

Te Ao Mārama is inclusive of all people, no matter their means or abilities, regardless of their ethnicity or culture, and regardless of who they are or where they are from.

Te Ao Mārama is a journey towards a more enlightened justice system as a response to repeated calls for transformative change.  While there have been efforts to respond to these calls for systemic change in the form of our specialist courts, Te Ao Mārama is a comprehensive response for the District Court.

To find out what Te Ao Marama would look like in practice, visit the website: https://www.justice.govt.nz/justice-sector-policy/key-initiatives/te-ao-marama/

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