But what does restorative justice mean?<\/p>\n
It\u2019s a process written into law \u2013 meaning everyone has the opportunity to access restorative justice if they want to.<\/p>\n
It brings together willing victims and offenders in a process that is controlled by trained professionals.<\/p>\n
In the meetings, offenders come face-to-face with their victims and, in some instances, can offer explanations for how the offending came about. <\/p>\n
This can sometimes give victims closure about why they were targeted. Offenders also have the opportunity to express their remorse and, in some cases, offer to put right some of the harm they have caused.<\/p>\n
Mana Social Services restorative justice key staff Wendy Branch and Kevin Lee. Photo \/ Kelly Makiha<\/p>\n
In Rotorua, Kevin Lee and Wendy Branch are among the trained experts.<\/p>\n
Lee sits in the Rotorua courts and keeps an ear out for cases that can be referred for restorative justice. He also reports back to judges on how meetings went.<\/p>\n
Branch, who leads the facilitators, works through the referrals and brings together those people who want to meet.<\/p>\n
Hundreds of cases are referred each year. They go through a pre-conference process to determine if all parties are on board and if it\u2019s safe. <\/p>\n
Often, it goes no further. But more than 100 face-to-face restorative justice meetings are facilitated each year.<\/p>\n
As Branch explains, not every case is appropriate. It needs to be something victims and offenders want to do if it\u2019s to have any benefit.<\/p>\n
More than 80% of restorative justice cases are family violence-related. But Lee says restorative justice can be and has been for anything \u2013 from thefts to murders.<\/p>\n
Branch says it can be emotional work, but it is valuable when they personally witness people coming out the other side as better people.<\/p>\n
Lee said bail conditions often mean the two parties aren\u2019t allowed to associate with each other. <\/p>\n
Often, restorative justice is the only way the parties can get together to sort things out to either move on amicably or stay together as a family, especially if children are involved, Lee says.<\/p>\n
Branch says it gives victims a voice and an ability to hear their \u201cwhy\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey\u2019re often really nervous coming in, but everyone has their voice by the end of the meeting. Usually they end in a happy embrace.\u201d<\/p>\n
Branch says showing remorse for wrongdoings is part of change. If offenders can genuinely show they are remorseful, it goes a long way in helping them.<\/p>\n
But sometimes people try to \u201cplay the system\u201d if they think they can get a discount on their sentences.<\/p>\n
But Branch and Lee say they and the other facilitators are on to these offenders and can easily weed them out.<\/p>\n
\u201cSorry is just a word,\u201d Branch says. <\/p>\n
\u201cWhen they are actively engaging to work on themselves and make positive changes, that shows sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n
For Lee and Branch, the job is more than rewarding.<\/p>\n
Lee \u2013 a rugby man<\/a> who has coached at senior club level \u2013 draws on his life experience inside and outside social work. Branch says Mana Social Services is lucky to have someone like Lee, given his knowledge.<\/p>\n For Lee, it\u2019s more than a job.<\/p>\n \u201cI just like being in a position where I can help people.\u201d <\/p>\n Branch says she is humbled to be part of the process of bringing people together. <\/p>\n \u201cWe have got a great team, and our team are very passionate about the restorative justice process. We are not here for the wage. We are here because we believe in the process.\u201d<\/p>\n Honouring founder Maxine Rennie<\/p>\n