Māori-led justice reform, less imprisonment, end criminalising poverty
Te Pāti Māori says the current justice system punishes people for being poor rather than addressing the real causes of harm. They want to create a Māori-led justice authority, change laws that criminalise poverty and survival, and move away from locking large numbers of people up. Instead, they want community-based solutions that restore dignity and safety.
What they say they'll do
- Establish a Māori-led justice authority
- Develop Māori-led community justice solutions
- Reform laws that criminalise poverty and survival
- Move away from mass imprisonment toward long-term transformation
Who this affects
People in prison or at risk of imprisonment
The party proposes moving away from mass imprisonment and toward community-based approaches, which would change how people in or entering the justice system are dealt with.
Māori communities
The party proposes a Māori-led justice authority and community solutions, meaning Māori organisations would have more say in how justice is delivered in their communities.
Low-income people
The party proposes reforming laws it says criminalise poverty and survival, which would affect people who currently face legal consequences for actions linked to financial hardship.
In their own words
“Build a Māori-led justice authority and community solutions.”
“Reform laws that criminalise poverty and survival.”
“Move away from mass imprisonment and toward long-term transformation.”
Summarised neutrally from Te Pāti Māori’s own official policy (as at 2026-06-23) and checked by an editor — never paraphrased without the source linked, and never an endorsement. Read the original ↗ Arapono is non-partisan. Compare all parties on Crime & Justice →
Coverage at a glance
Which party holds a published position on which topic.
| Party | Economy | Housing | Health | Education | Climate | Environment | Crime & Justice | Treaty & Māori Affairs | Immigration | Foreign Policy |
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| NZ First | ||||||||||
| Te Pāti Māori | ||||||||||
| TOP |
Published position∅ No stated position (verified) Not captured yet