
Click on the video to view Judge Taumaunu
What is Te Ao Mārama
Te Ao Mārama is a vision to reimagine the District and Family Court in Te Matau-a-Māui. We have the chance to improve the experience for all people who take part in the court system, including those who have been harmed along with their whānau.
Te Ao Mārama scope:
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The integration of strategies from current therapeutic courts;
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Changes to the information and training that court staff receive;
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Freedom to change processes, environments, language, signage, and systems within the District and Family Court

We want to hear from whānau to gain insight into their experience of the District and Family Court to assist in the way we move forward. We want these changes within the District and Family Court to lead to a more positive outcome for whānau and our future mokopuna.
Working together for better success
We need our whānau voice for us to get this right.
Ministry of Justice Vision

“Ka kuhu au ki te ture, hei matua mō te pani”
I seek refuge in the law as a parent for the oppressed and impoverished.
To improve the experience for all people who participate in the District Court system, including victims and their whānau. By partnering with Iwi and engaging with communities, Te Ao Mārama kaupapa will be designed to best serve each community’s specific needs.
Our Aspiration

A space that enables whānau to move from
“Te Ao Tara Aitu – the world of calamity,” to a space of “Ki Te Ara Mātua – a pathway of clarity.”
Te Ao Mārama kaupapa is the opportunity to reimagine the delivery and structure of the District Court – to uphold the principles of whānau wellbeing that is inclusive of whānau decision making.

15 September 2023
We are currently at the 'Discovery' stage. This involves engaging with whānau who are willing to share their experience of the District and Family Court and how they would like to stay involved with Te Ao Marama going forward.
Engagement Purpose
We need whānau voice for us to get this right. whānau knowledge, experience, and perspective is essential for Te Ao Mārama to be a success and for the District and Family Court to lead to more positive outcomes for whānau and our future mokopuna.
Engagement Outcomes
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That whānau feel heard and included in the design of Te Ao Mārama
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Trust is built between whānau and agencies
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Whānau stay in relationship with agencies throughout the process of co-creation
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A truly whānau-centred design for Te Ao Mārama in the District and Family Court in Te Matau-a-Māui emerges
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The design is enacted, leading to positive change

Join us online or in person at one of our wānanga
Join us to help reimagine the District and Family Court in Te Matau-a-Māui. Connect, share, wānanga, and shape Te Ao Mārama together.
Earlier this month we held wānanga at the Hastings and Napier District Courts for whānau to be involved in person. One-on-one interviews were also held to hear personal experiences. We are also offering online wānanga to hear your voice wherever you live, so you can contribute from the comfort of your homes. Kōrero mai whānau and be a part of change.



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