Specialist Māori Cultural Assessment (SMCA) involves a Hui (discussion between an Offender and an Māori Cultural Assessor to identify and Offender’s Māori Cultural Strengths and needs.
The Objective is to;
- Identifying the extend of an Offender’s active links to their whānau
- Identifying the level of the Offender’s knowledge and confidence in Tikanga Māori and Te Reo Māori
- Evaluating an Offender’s sense of wellbeing as Māori and identify any areas in which intervention may help the offender address their reoffending
SMCA Interview & Report;
Discussions with the Offender covers the following areas:
- Whanaungatanga – Depth the breadth of personal relationships
- Tikanga Māori – Practical knowledge of Māori protocols
- Māori cultural values – Depth of understanding regarding cultural values
- Te Reo Māori – Knowledge and regard of the Māori Language
- Oranga Tangata – Physical health and wellbeing of yourself and your whānau
- Identification as Māori – Pride and comfort in your identity
- Wairua – Knowledge and practice of spiritual and religious concepts
- Mate Māori – Distress or otherwise cause by cultural or other issues
Benefits of SMCA;
For Offenders, the SMCA assessment can assist in:
- Helping develop a sense of cultural well-being, identity and pride as a Māori individual
- Helping develop a level of understanding and knowledge in Tikanga and Te Reo Māori
- Helping connect with Whānau/ Hapū/ Iwi and other tribal entities
- Identify a range of cultural support groups and activities