Insights from the Youth-Led Transformative Justice Conference

"All I wanted to do was stand and salute you, to thank you for teaching us today...for putting fire in our bellies.”

Judge Ida Malosi’s words rang through the room as she closed the Youth-led Transformative Justice Conference this past weekend.

The stories from the rangatahi were raw, honest, and transformative.

Their insights remind us that solutions to systemic issues cannot come from those removed from the problem. Instead, they must come from those who live and breathe these realities daily.

From left to right: Judge Ida Malosi, Judge Ophir Cassidy, Chief Children's Commisioner Dr. Claire Achmad

This year’s conference, hosted by rangatahi, brought together judges, police, youth advocates, and community leaders. The goal: to hear directly from rangatahi about their lived experiences and their vision for a more just, equitable system.

Conference Overview & Insights

The New Bill of Rights for Tamariki impacted by Whānau Incarceration

Rangatahi unveiled their revised Bill of Rights for Tamariki Impacted by Whānau Incarceration, a bold document rooted in whakapapa, cultural identity and mana-enhancing principles.

“The original fails to reflect our realities, our cultures, and our futures,” shared one rangatahi. "It does not reflect the values of whānau, whakapapa or Te Reo Māori. Nor does it address the challenges or aspirations unique to us as rangatahi."

The Bill is both a blueprint for future policy change and a resource to help tamariki and rangatahi understand their rights, from maintaining connections to their whakapapa to accessing safe and nurturing environments.

Whānau Navigator and reaching more rangatahi

At the heart of the rangatahi-led kōrero was a critical need for better support systems for tamariki and whānau impacted by the justice system.

A key solution presented was the role of the Kaiwhatu Kura Whānau (Whānau Navigators) in criminal district courts. This specialised position, co-designed with rangatahi, is a lifeline for families navigating the often complex and isolating justice system.

" As we all know, us as lived experience rangatahi, it's hard to understand what's happening when you're so young, and it's hard even more so when you have a parent or relative who's suddenly sucked out of your life."

The rangatahi also highlighted how critical it is to meet young people where they are—both physically and emotionally. “We need to be reaching out (in the spaces where youth are). We have to reach out to these youth because they are too scared to speak up for themselves.” one speaker emphasized.

By creating connections, advocating for tamariki rights, and fostering healing, Kaiwhatu Kura Whānau role offers practical solutions for the next generation.

Youth crime: The Ram Raid Bill

Rangatahi called on adults and policymakers to shift the focus from punitive measures to understanding the deeper issues driving youth offending.

Between 2017 and 2022, incidents of ram raids surged by 400%. By mid-2022, 76% of those arrested for these offences were under 18. However, the rangatahi were clear: these actions aren’t random—they stem from systemic social issues.

“Have you ever asked a rangatahi about their experience and how they feel about it?” one speaker asked, urging the audience to reflect on the stories behind the statistics.

Military Boot Camps and alternative solutions

The rangatahi discussed Aotearoa's long history of military-style boot camps. They addressed the ineffectiveness of boot camps, which have been a controversial response to youth crime. “By 1997, reconviction rates among boot camp attendees were 92%,” one participant pointed out.

"The problem is why youth offend, and that is what we need to fix. They often come from a life of poverty, perhaps with abuse and addiction within their home. Once the youth leaves these boot camps, they will return to the same lifestyle they live, and the cycle repeats."

Instead, they advocated for solutions rooted in understanding and manaakitanga. Pro-social initiatives and community support were some of the alternatives proposed. “Let's not talk and treat them (the youth) like criminals in a boot camp. Let's acknowledge their rights as humans and have them be the best they can be."

The kōrero challenged attendees to reframe their understanding of youth offending. "Why do you think troubled youth will be able to attend a boot camp for a few months and then return to their normal lives and amazing change? What's going to force them to change in their home environment?"

Rather than punishing symptoms, the focus must shift to addressing root causes and empowering rangatahi with the tools and opportunities to thrive.

Whānau Navigator role & Children’s Support Plans

Later this year, we will submit an open letter to the government, urging the establishment of the Kaiwhatu Kura Whānau (Whānau Navigator role) within New Zealand’s justice system. This letter will include evidence-based findings, lived experiences shared by rangatahi, and compelling arguments for why this role is essential.

The open letter will advocate for embedding the Kaiwhatu Kura Whānau in district courts, expanding the support framework beyond family courts to criminal district courts.

This initiative is about changing the narrative for families affected by incarceration and ensuring every whānau has the tools to move forward.

Carrying the Stories of Rangatahi Forward

The Youth-led Transformative Justice Conference was more than just a gathering—it was a call to action.

Rangatahi of Ngā Rangatira Mō Āpōpō sharing their kōrero

As Dr. Claire Achmad, the Chief Children’s Commissioner, reminded everyone in her kōrero:

"I want every to be behind the voices of rangatahi in our country, because there is power in the voices of rangatahi. You are bringing hope in the ways that you are bringing forward your views to help shape change...And the knowledge that you hold is the key to us making change for other children and young people who have a parent in prison."

The conference was just one step on a much longer journey toward justice reform, requiring the collective effort of communities, policymakers, and advocates.

It is up to each of us to carry these stories forward—not just as listeners but as active participants in creating change.

So, what can you do?

• Listen to their insights with open hearts and minds.

• Share their stories to raise awareness and inspire action.

• Advocate for policy and systemic changes prioritising the wellbeing and rights of all tamariki and rangatahi.

Let their courage and wisdom ignite a fire in all of us to keep pushing for meaningful change. Watch this space—together, we are creating a more positive future.