Another One Bites the Dust: Recent Initiatives in Correctional Reform in New Zealand

Abstract

Since the end of the 19th century, New Zealand has experimented with a variety of correctional ideas, the majority of which have imitated progressive initiatives taken overseas. However, none of the earlier attempts proved effective in reducing recidivist rates. Undeterred, in recent years, two new and quite different programs, the first known as He Ara Hou; the second as Integrated Offender Management, have been trialled by correctional authorities. This article explains the philosophy and application of the latest two programs, and discusses why they also failed.