Justice Reinvestment: a Vehicle Toward a Self-Determining Model of Justice

In response to the disproportionate rate of Māori within the New Zealand (NZ) criminal justice system, this thesis critically analyses the role of Justice Reinvestment (JR) to redirect state resources and decision-making abilities to local communities. Against the backdrop of settler-colonialism, criminal justice initiatives and policies have failed to provide significant outcomes for Māori communities, given their entrenchment in Western thought. In response, many have called for a holistic, transformative, community approach to justice, addressed in a Māori way. Therefore, this thesis looks to explore JR as a vehicle towards a self-determining model for Māori communities.

Using a critical methodology, which draws upon Kaupapa Māori theory, this research engaged in eight semi-structured interviews with key Māori thinkers associated with criminal justice. Using a thematic data analysis, the findings suggested balance, self-determination, and progressive transformation were significant considerations in developing a model for Māori communities. To achieve this, the concluding discussion argues for the implementation of a broader, power-sharing relationship between Māori and the Crown. Secondly, it proposes an alternate model which is given effect by key JR tenets, and Māori concepts to achieve a sense of collective balance. In doing so, this framework provides a more holistic, healing approach for Māori communities.