Judges' profiling 'not just for Maori'

20th August 2007

LAWRENCE GULLERY

Judges should be encouraged to review cultural and social profiles of criminals before assessing their sentences, an option open to all - not just Maori.

That's the view of Maori lawyer Moana Jackson who backed a United Nations (UN) report criticising New Zealand's race relations.

The UN's committee of the elimination of racial discrimination suggested social and cultural profiles were not being used enough by judges, who had the authority to use the reports at their discretion.

Mr Jackson, who grew up in Hastings, said their was a perception the profiles could only be used for Maori and judges have the power to consider a range of factors before sentencing.

"It's important for people to know it's for all, not just Maori.

"If you are going to sentence someone, you should know as much about them as possible," he said.

Treaty Tribes Coalition chairman, Ngahiwi Tomoana, said he agreed with Mr Jackson.

"Moana and I listened to the details of the committee's report. It was apparent Maori were going up for the same cases as Pakeha but were more likely to be committed and sentenced for longer.

"Indigenous people have rights that should be recognised and we're just stepping over them," Mr Tomoana said.

The two speakers said New Zealand's image as a human rights leader faced serious problems.

"The Treaty of Waitangi was held up as an example the Government has given little traction to it," Mr Tomoana said.

Mr Jackson, who now lives in Wellington, will be in Hastings today to speak about a Maori approach to sustainability.

* UN in Maori rights row - page 5