Source: New Zealand Police
Tasman Police, in partnership with Poutini Ngāi Tahu and Poutini Waiora, are pleased to announce the launch of Te Pae Oranga on the West Coast.
A celebration hosted by Te Tai Poutini Polytechnic to welcome Te Pae Oranga was attended by iwi representatives, community leaders, Poutini Waiora and Police today.
Te Pae Oranga (formerly known as Iwi Community Panels) is an initiative delivered in partnership between Iwi Māori and New Zealand Police. It is a supported resolution option that Police can use to respond to offending as an alternative to charges before court.
The establishment of Te Pae Oranga on the West Coast means all three areas of the Tasman District now have access to the iwi-led, community-focused model. The panel is the 32nd to be launched nationally.
Te Pae Oranga was launched in the Tasman District in Te Tauihu (Nelson and Marlborough) in 2018. Over the past year 356 referrals were made, exceeding the contracted amount by 12.7%. The panels have also expanded to include Rangatahi and Family Harm matters.
National Programme Manager: Te Pae Oranga, Inspector Wil Black, said it was a privilege for Police to partner with iwi, hapū and Poutini Waiora to bring Te Pae Oranga to the West Coast.
“Te Pae Oranga reflects Polices’ commitment to the Treaty of Waitangi and to working together with partners to reduce harm, strengthen communities, and make a positive and lasting difference.”
Building on the success of Te Pae Oranga in Nelson and Marlborough, iwi and Police worked together to establish the programme on the West Coast.
Speaking at the launch, West Coast Area Commander Inspector Jacqui Corner said establishing Te Pae Oranga on the West Coast had been a true collective effort.
“There are too many people to name individually, but I’d like to specifically acknowledge Poutini Ngāi Tahu, Poutini Waiora, and the New Zealand Police teams that manage and coordinate Te Pae Oranga. We are proud to see it officially established on the Coast and available to those who can benefit from it.”
Tasman District Māori, Pacific and Ethnic Services Manager, Inspector Tracey Wharehoka, said the new pathway was a significant step forward for West Coast communities.
“Te Pae Oranga’s kaupapa Māori approach ensures everyone has a voice, whether they are a participant or a victim. By listening to and understanding people’s journeys, it fosters accountability and helps uncover and address the root causes of harm, not just the behaviour that results. That can only be of benefit to the individuals involved, the whānau and the wider community.”
The panel consists of respected community members and will be facilitated by West Coast Māori health and social services provider Poutini Waiora.
Although the official launch was today, Te Pae Oranga began operating on the West Coast in July this year with panels already held in Greymouth and Westport.
About Te Pae Oranga
Te Pae Oranga Iwi Community Panels are a way that Police and Iwi/Māori partners address crime and prevent reoffending. Te Pae Oranga means to talk, listen and become well. It uses tikanga and kaupapa Māori and restorative justice practices. Panels of local community leaders who have valuable knowledge and experience support participants (people who’ve offended) to make a plan to put things right. Those plans include actions that participants must complete and conditions they must follow. Te Pae Oranga is available to people of all ethnicities and from all walks of life. Victims are also encouraged to take part, which is a key feature of restorative justice.
About Poutini Waiora
Poutini Waiora is a Charitable Trust owned by Pōkeka Poutini Ngāi Tahu Ltd and governed by Poutini Ngāi Tahu Papatipu Rūnanga. As mana whenua of Te Tai o Poutini, they represent Ngāti Waewae and Ngāti Māhaki ki Makaawhio. Poutini Waiora is a Kaupapa Māori Health and Social Service Provider operating across Te Tai o Poutini (Kawatiri, Mawhera, Hokitika/Westland, South Westland). Their services are grounded in a ‘Whānau ora’ model of care, ensuring quality, professionalism, and responsiveness.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/09/01/te-pae-oranga-launch-celebrated-in-te-tai-poutini/