Maori Focus Units in prisons need to be independently administered with specially targeted programmes, says Associate Corrections Minister Pita Sharples.
Dr Sharples today released a report evaluating the performance of the units.
He said it showed prisoners in the units had gained significant knowledge and skills in tikanga Maori, leading to stronger cultural identities.
"For most inmates, this has resulted in a major attitude change and a renewed commitment to rehabilitating with family and iwi," Dr Sharples said.
"The rate of reoffending by participants in Maori therapeutic programmes is 7 percent lower than for other prisoners, but I think the potential to reduce recidivism to less than 50 percent is a possibility."
Dr Sharples was one of the original planners of the focus units 15 years ago.
"With 11 years of evolution, we are now in a good position to review the conditions of entry to the units, the methods of administration, the programmes and their delivery," he said.
"The units will need to be administered independently from the mainstream prisons, with specially targeted programmes and individual inmate goals or outcomes."
Dr Sharples said he would be working closely with the Department of Corrections to maximise the potential of the units.
