Norman Perry and Mahi Tahi

The Cultural Breakthrough in NZ Prisons

Argument rages over the best way for Māori to share in public services. NZ prisons have used a successful method for over 25 years – under the radar. Inmate behaviour and attitudes improve dramatically. Based on tikanga and Maoritanga (Māori culture), the approach goes back to Sir Apirana Ngata.
It differs from programmes based on Te Tiriti, cultural safety or the Indigenous People’s Movement. Elders up the N.I. East Coast gave a concept to young Norman Perry. He built a kaupapa (plan) into the Mahi Tahi Akoranga Trust, which took the plan into prisons.
Ian McLean tells the story of Sir Norman Perry and Mahi Tahi for the first time.