Judge Taumaunu paid tribute to the relationship with Te Hiku whānau and to everyone who helped bring the service to life.
“It is part of the District Court’s Te Ao Mārama – Enhancing Justice for All initiative and has been developed thanks to the support and stewardship of Te Hiku iwi chairs, followed by collaboration between Tuhiata Mahiora, Te Whare Ruruhau o Meri Trust, local judges and court staff, the Ministry of Justice and the Oi Collective to design and implement the service,” he said.
Judge Taumaunu said Te Atatuhi is an important step in helping court participants, including victims and whānau, to better understand and participate in proceedings that affect them.
“The service builds on the introduction of specialist Family Court lists for care and protection and family violence cases and complements further work under way to establish an alternative venue for Family Court hearings away from the courthouse.
“The relationship agreement between Tuhiata Mahiora, Te Whare Ruruhau o Meri Trust and the Ministry of Justice reflects a shared commitment to continuing this collaboration for the benefit of those who engage with the Family Court in Kaitāia.”
The journey began four years ago when Judge Taumaunu met the iwi chairs of Te Hiku in a meeting that ended with a shared commitment to improve the experiences of whānau in the Family Court.
Since then, the iwi of Te Hiku, Te Hiku o Te Ika Iwi Development Trust (THIDT), the Ministry of Justice and community partners have worked together through the Te Hiku Social Accord with the judiciary to turn whānau voice into action.
“We see this as a positive next step in the work of the Te Hiku Social Accord and the commitments from the Ministry of Justice to our whānau on what works best for their needs and aspirations,” THIDT chair Roberta Grbich said.
THIDT chief executive Carol Berghan added that their role in the Te Hiku Social Accord is to continue to inform and support the effective Crown–Iwi partnership to deliver on whānau needs and aspirations.
“We will do whatever we can to support our services, the efforts of the Ministry of Justice and the court system to bring to life the Te Ao Mārama ki Te Hiku o Te Ika Action Plan,” she said.
Te Atatuhi brings together two organisations that work side-by-side and know Te Hiku whānau and the court system well. A relationship agreement with the Ministry of Justice now formalises their commitment to Te Atatuhi.
Tuhiata Mahiora is a Kaitāia-based trust that provides social, mental health and addiction services to whānau in Te Tai Tokerau. It is also the restorative justice provider for Kaitāia District Court.
“Being able to offer Te Atatuhi to our whānau here in Te Hiku is a privilege, and we will deliver it in a way that’s grounded in manaakitanga so people feel supported and safe through the court process,” chief executive of Tuhiata Mahiora Marihi Langford said.
Te Whare o Meri trust chief executive Elizabeth Walker said they know that engaging with the justice system is a challenging experience for whānau.
“Te Atatuhi creates an opportunity for whānau to be met with dignity, compassion and practical support at a critical time in their lives.”
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