Kotahi Te Whakaaro

Kotahi te Whakaaro is a cross-agency prototype supporting tamariki involved in offending behaviour. It provides a whaanau-focused response informed by kaupapa Maaori and Pacific practice, offering rapid, relational support in partnership with community-based NGOs.

Key Elements

  • Unified agency response that reduces stigmatisation.

  • Real-time collaboration between agencies and community providers.

  • Prioritises healing, prevention, and decolonised practice.

Opportunities

  • Shift system to whaanau timelines.

  • Bench agency agendas and centre whaanaungatanga.

  • Use flexible funding to support real-time, whaanau-led plans.

"They want to work with you, not present you with what they think you want and expect you to go with it." — tamariki mokopuna

System Change Highlights

  • $600k additional investment via Youth Crime Package.

  • Rolled out to 8 of 12 police districts as part of the "Fast Track" programme.

  • 78% of tamariki involved did not reoffend.

  • 397 hardship grants provided and 8 whaanau housed.

  • 56% of non-enrolled tamariki re-engaged with school.

Kotahi Te Whakaaro