Maori statistics in the criminal system...

Maori statistics  in the criminal justice system...




It's being suggested racial profiling could be behind a disproportionate number of Maori in the criminal justice system


It's being suggested racial profiling could be behind a disproportionate number of Maori in the criminal justice system.



Rethinking Crime and Punishment is calling for a research institute to be established to look into why the system is dominated by Maori.



Director Kim Workman says Maori are imprisoned at a rate of over seven times that of non-Maori, and are 11 times more likely to be refused bail.



"That should be telling us that something is wrong with the way the criminal justice system is administered," Mr Workman says.



He says there's been little action taken by any government to look into what's behind the statistics, and if we could work out what the causes are, the number of Maori going through the system could be reduced.



According to Mr Workman, there's evidence of racial bias towards Maori, as they are more likely to be stopped and questioned by police.



"Because they're stopped and questioned more, are more likely to find out stuff, like they haven't got a current warrant of fitness, or their seatbelt's not properly fixed. And so they end up getting charged more.



"That leads to a deterioration of relationships, and can actually end up with some of those kids who might have avoided having a criminal record, getting one." Mr Workman says.


KR says: There may be some truth, but the facts will determine that whatever the reason New Zealanders of Maori descent get into trouble with the law, use drugs and abuse alcohol. They head statistics concerning gang activity in NZ too. Some will say they may have that addictive gene, and warrior behaviour. Actually it is a load of baloney - there is nothing brave in how young Maori, mainly, abuse women and children and kill babies!

Acknowledgements: © 2011 NZCity, NewsTalkZB

Electors not pollsters decide the future of governments...

John Key and the National Party are soaring to great heights in the latest opinion polls, it has been claimed. Is that right? Just where are they soaring to? Electors not pollsters decide the future of governments in parliamentary democracies.

Electors have rejected the National party in the last three elections. So what went wrong there? Was it purely because of the leaders the National Party had at the time? Bill English and Don Brash? Granted that John Key is light years from Don Brash as a leader; but Brash brought National very close in the last election result, after Bill English, the new Finance spokesman in the current Key shadow government, was mutilated in the elections previously.

Before you all get carried away and get yourselves measured for blue suits next year, let me remind you that it is actually all about perceptions, and...policies.

The Labour led Government is in the process of governing New Zealand in the best possible manner according to its philosophies, not tryng to get itself elected after three terms in opposition.

Apart from all its rejected New Right policies, all National has going is obsessive tax reductions. Labour has been building and creating an economy and a fair society - and it will continue building on that in the future. Forget all the trite comments about social engineering from right wing critics - just what the hell is social engineering anyway? Social evolution has been occurring for ever and occurs throughout western societies. There are reasons for social change and evolution will never be halted by Christian fundamentalist factions who believe social minorities have no human rights at all. As they say, politics has no place in religion, and vice versa!

Until later! Enjoy the honeymoon, Johnboy.

Tariana Turia, Maori Party co-leader is condemned for her inane comments that...

Tariana Turia,Maori Party co-leader is condemned for her inane comments that the Mongrel Mob and Black Power gangs were not criminal. How bloody stupid! Gangs are there for one reason only - for criminal purposes and when somebody joins a gang they become criminals by association. They can join a youth club if they want to feel wanted!

Turia is always making a fool of herself because of her continual 'foot in mouth' comments. She has now been branded as an apologist for the gangs. Her comments were made after the fatal drive-by shooting in Wanganui which resulted in the death of a young child in her family home. The war of words since has brought strong rebukes across the political divide.

Police Association president Greg O'Connor furiously criticised her when she compared gangs with the police; although criminologist Greg Newbold said not everybody joining a gang embarked on a criminal career. Really? Most gang prospects have to prove themselves to earn their gang patches. What by helping old ladies across the street? Don't be bloody naive and stupid.

I support the Prime Minister Helen Clark's comments that while Mrs Turia was trying to defuse the situation, her comments were way out of line.I quote the PM." The gangs are criminal organisations. That's what distinguishes them from other, normal,legal organisations. Gangs cause a tremendous amount of misery in the community and I don't think its appropriate for anybody to be making excuses for them." Here, here!

She also said that it was an appalling analogy to compare gangs with police. Mr O'connor also said it was totally unacceptable, silly and irresponsible for somebody purporting to represent the interests of Maori, to ignore the fact that the biggest victims of Maori gangs are other Maori.

Maori Affairs Minister,Parekura Horomia said gangs practised criminal activity and must be "exited' from Maori culture. National MP, Chester Borrows, who is planning a bill to ban gang patches in Wanganui City, also condemned Mrs Turia's inane comments.