Te Pae Oranga - Iwi Community Panel

What are iwi community panels?

A supported resolution process for low-level offenders focusing on education, prevention and accountability. The service in Christchurch is provided by a trust in association with Community Law Canterbury & Ngā Hau e Whā Marae in partnership with Police, Iwi and the wider community. An Iwi Community Panel (ICP) is an inquisitive hearing with a purpose of discovering the underlying reasons for offending and determine outcomes to address these. We want to affect long-term social and behavioural change to reduce re-offending.

Who is eligible?

Police can refer a participant to the ICP if they are aged 17 years or over, the offence carries six months’ imprisonment or less and the participant admits guilt. Police have full discretion as to whether they choose to refer to ICP as opposed to diversion or court.

What can I expect on the day?

Participants appear in front of a panel of three volunteer community members, often on a marae, where a hearing takes place with a purpose of discovering the underlying reasons for offending and determine outcomes to address these. Eligible participants avoid court and conviction upon successful completion of the process.

Who participates in hearings?

Victims are always consulted, invited to attend and encouraged to bring support. The panel of three, an observer and a police officer will be present to answer questions of law and to provide relevant information when appropriate.

Who are the panel members?

The panel consists of community members who are able to treat participants with respect and dignity and want to create change.

What are the outcomes?

Outcomes are tailored to each participant and should address their reasons for offending as well as looking at ways to repair the harm caused. Accountability, education and prevention – not punishment.

Outcomes can include reparation, apology letters, community work, or an educational course i.e. defensive driving.

What happens after the hearing?

The ICP Facilitator will determine the time frame the participant has to complete the tasks and will work with the participant to help them complete their outcomes.

We are required to return files as non-compliant if the participant does not complete their outcomes in the given time frame.