Innovative Justice in Aotearoa
A dynamic group of students from RMIT's Juris Doctor (JD) program have just returned from a week of witnessing innovative justice in Aotearoa (New Zealand).
The group on day 5 of the tour
The group travelled with CIJ’s Director Rob Hulls, Social Work & Integrated Practice Manager Kat Ogilvie, and Lloyd England from the Graduate School of Business and Law.
On day one of study tour, students attended a briefing with Project Restore and learnt how restorative justice is applied in Aotearoa, with the importance of placing victim survivor’s needs at the centre of restorative justice facilitation. On day two, a fantastic morning at Corban Revell Lawyers with Managing Partner John Kahukiwa where students learnt about providing specialist legal advice to Māori individuals and communities, including representation at the Waitangi Tribunal, Māori Land Courts and other courts across Aotearoa.
Rob Hulls, John Kahukiwa, Lloyd England
An inspiring afternoon was spent listening to Judge Lisa Tremewan of Te Whare Whakapiki Wairua (The House That Uplifts The Spirit), the Alcohol and Other Drug Treatment Court, followed by Judge Tony Fitzgerald Te Koti Timatanga Hou – The New Beginnings Court (Homeless Court). Students had the opportunity to witness the fantastic outcomes these courts are achieving.
Day three saw students make observations at the Alcohol & Other Drug Treatment Court and the Rangatahi Youth Court. A big thank you to Judge Lisa Tremewan and her wonderful colleagues at the Alcohol & Other Drug Treatment Court; where students were able to see a full program, notably the resilience of participants during all parts of their recovery journey.
At the Rangatahi Youth Court, students were welcomed by Judge Ophir Cassidy and observed how this innovative, culturally appropriate court helps turn vulnerable young lives around.
On the final day of the tour students were presented with an inspiring and informative briefing from Auckland Community Law Centre and Mangare Community Law Centre, as well as pro bono clearing house Te Ara Ture. Students learnt about the legal support needs of the communities in Auckland and how these innovative community legal centres are working creatively to support their communities. The final afternoon was spent at MinterEllisonRuddWatts, where the group learnt about their community involvement programs, AI and the law, and an overview of the changing landscape of private law firms and how they operate in NZ.
Reflecting on the week Rob Hulls, said
“This experience the students had on this tour will remain with them forever. It opened their eyes and minds to therapeutic approaches to justice and I am sure they will become advocates for such approaches in their future careers”.
