Our experience at the FDR Centre is that the present, largely two party, monocultural, one size fits all approach does not align with tikanga Māori or Māori views of whānau, particularly the role grandparents and extended whānau play in caring for children and mokopuna. Accordingly, it is unlikely to meet the needs of Māori in relation to developing whānau centric solutions to caring for children and mokopuna as the (presently funded) time available is likely to be insufficient to achieve those outcomes in most cases.
The Panel observed that transition from a siloed family justice system to Te Korowai Ture ā-Whānau will require sustained leadership at the political level, within the judiciary, the legal profession, from all other family justice services and from the Ministry of Justice.
Clearly, strengthening the family justice system to enhance access to justice for children, parents and whānau and improve the well-being of children and young people, will take time, resources and a high level of collaboration and commitment from all stakeholders. However, the Panel reported there is widespread agreement that change is urgently needed and a significant degree of consensus about the recommendations in the report, which it says provides a sound basis from which to make the changes that are so urgently required to restore pride and confidence in the family justice services - services where children and their whānau are treated with dignity and respect, listened to and supported to make the best decisions for them.
JOHN GREEN
John is the Director and founder of the Family Dispute Resolution Centre.
The FDR Centre works with the most respected and experienced FDR mediators to help you and your family resolve conflict out of court.