Rangatahi and Pasifika Courts apply the same law and procedure as any other Youth Court, but on a marae or in a Pasifika community setting. They incorporate Māori and Pacific languages and protocols. Young people of any ethnicity may be referred to these courts if they admit to their offending, and if referral is agreed to by the Family Group Conference. The Rangatahi and Pasifika Courts will regularly monitor a plan set by a Family Group Conference.

Rangatahi Courts

A Rangatahi Court hearing is held on a marae, and facilitated by a Youth Court Judge together with kaumātua/kuia. Hearings begin with a pōwhiri, and the young person is required to learn and deliver a pepeha. Kaumātua or kuia may offer advice to the young person, and some Rangatahi Courts provide access to tikanga learning programmes. There are 15 Rangatahi Courts in New Zealand.

Pasifika Courts

Pasifika Courts operate in a similar way to the Rangatahi Courts. Pasifika Courts are held at Pasifika churches or community centres. A judge will facilitate the hearing with assistance from Pasifika elders. There are two Pasifika Courts, both in Auckland.

Video about the Rangatahi and Pasifika Courts

This video provides more information about the work of the Rangatahi and Pasifika Courts. There's also information about these courts on the Youth Court website (see Further links at the bottom of the page).

Te Kōti Rangatahi and Pasifika Court video