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Overview
Te Pae Oranga, sometimes known as Iwi Community Panels or Community Justice Panels, is a Māori-led, community-based process supported by New Zealand Police.
About Te Pae Oranga
Te Pae Oranga is a Māori-led, community-based process. It provides an alternative way of responding to some offending without going to court.
The process uses tikanga Māori, kaupapa Māori, and restorative practices to:
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help address offending
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encourage accountability
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support positive change.
Te Pae Oranga is available to people of all ethnicities and backgrounds.
New Zealand Police decide whether a matter is suitable for referral to Te Pae Oranga, based on the circumstances of the offending and other relevant factors.
Read more about Te Pae Oranga Iwi Community Panels on the New Zealand Police website:
Te Pae Oranga Iwi Community Panels | New Zealand Police(external link)
Te Pae Oranga and the court process
Te Pae Oranga is a way for an offence to be dealt with outside of the court process.
If Police make a referral, the person who offended — called the participant — meets with a panel of local community leaders. Together, they develop an accountability plan to address the harm caused and factors connected with the offending.
Police will decide whether or not to make the referral to Te Pae Oranga.
If the person who harmed you is referred to Te Pae Oranga as a participant, you may be invited to take part. It is your choice whether or not to take part in this process.
The role of victims
If the person who harmed you is referred to Te Pae Oranga, you may be contacted and offered the opportunity to contribute to the process.
Your involvement is entirely your choice.
You do not have to take part, attend meetings, speak with the participant, or have any direct contact with them if you do not wish to.
If you decide to be involved, there are different ways to share the impact of the offending, so that your experiences and views can be considered as part of the process. You may also have a support person with you.
You are not expected to know tikanga or speak te reo Māori before taking part. If you choose to take part, the panel can explain the process beforehand and answer any questions you may have.
Support for victims
You may have questions or concerns if you are told that a matter is being dealt with through Te Pae Oranga rather than the courts.
Te Pae Oranga focuses on accountability, repairing harm where possible, and supporting positive change. Victims are offered opportunities to have their voice heard, but participation is voluntary and support is available whatever you decide.
If you would like to understand more about the process, discuss your options, or access support, you can speak with:
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your Officer in charge (OC)
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a Court Victim Advisor (if a defendant has had their first court appearance).
You can choose the level of involvement that feels right for you, and support is available regardless of whether you participate in the process.
What happens at the panel
The person who committed an offence (participant) meets with an Iwi Community Panel to discuss the offending, take responsibility for their actions, and agree on steps to address the harm caused.
If you were harmed by the participant, you and other people who were affected by the offence may be invited to share your views with the panel.
The panel will arrange for the participant to follow an accountability plan. This may include actions such as:
- making an apology
- paying for damage or other reparation
- getting support for drug or alcohol use
- completing an anger-management course
- getting help with a driver licence, employment or training
- receiving support for employment, training, or other areas of need.
The panel works with the participant and monitors their progress throughout the process.
What happens after the panel
The Te Pae Oranga provider continues to support and monitor the participant while they complete their agreed plan.
The provider then advises Police whether the plan has been completed.
If the participant completes the plan
If the person completes the agreed actions, Police will usually take no further action for the offence.
The case does not go to court. The person does not receive a conviction for the offence.
Victims of the participant are updated on all aspects completed.
Police keep a record of the incident and that Te Pae Oranga was completed.
If the participant does not meet with the panel or complete the plan
If the participant does not attend the panel or does not complete the agreed actions, Police will review the matter. They will decide what further action is appropriate.
In some cases, this may include charging the participant and commencing court proceedings.