Recent research has found concerning patterns related to the mass incarceration of Māori in New Zealand. These trends have dire health consequences for people exiting jail. The research, led by Paula Toko King, a Research Associate Professor of the Department of Public Health in Wellington, emphasizes significant racial inequities within the criminal legal system that disproportionately affect Māori individuals.
Their research focuses on the social health of Māori transitioning back to the community from incarceration. They shine a light on the pervasive systemic barriers that restrict their access to quality health services. These findings highlight substantial undercount of Māori prisoners. That’s roughly 405 people fewer than the government’s official count shows, which is a huge 6% undercount. This inconsistency is particularly harmful for how resources are allocated and where policy decisions are made, continuing to reinforce inequities across the system.
Health Needs and Barriers Post-Release
Māori people recently released from prison encounter many obstacles when they try to use primary care services. Even with their high needs for health, these services are still inadequate to meet their needs. The study took a longitudinal look at the health service interactions of almost 7,400 Māori released from prisons during a 12-month period beginning in June 2021. It showed a disturbing truth — that cost has become the most significant obstacle to obtaining necessary care.
The study’s findings underscore the need for barriers such as these to be acknowledged and addressed if we want to see Māori reintegrating to society at large successfully. Further, it highlights that over the life course, prisons are becoming more and more acknowledged as fundamental shapers of health and overall well-being. The age that people first enter the prison system influences those negative health outcomes as well. These alarming statistics underscore the critical need for timely and proactive intervention and support.
“What we expect is state accountability for state harms.” – Paula Toko King
Systemic Inequities and Community Well-Being
In addition to her research, King is part of a much larger kaupapa Māori project, TIAKI. Along with our partners, this initiative seeks to bring balance and holistic wellness back for Māori and Indigenous peoples everywhere. These reports convincingly document the individual, communal, and intergenerational harm that mass imprisonment of Māori produces. This is a tragic state of affairs that needs urgent intervention from health and justice sectors in Aotearoa.
King articulated the profound implications of these findings, stating, “Both of these studies reflect a breach of the government’s Te Tiriti obligations to monitor and evaluate impacts of Government actions and inactions for Māori.” Finally, the state needs to acknowledge the harm it has caused through its actions and inactions on Māori communities. It’s solely their responsibility to fix these impacts.
The problem goes far beyond acute health care needs, reaching deeper into issues of social justice and equity. The requirement for accountability cannot be overstated given, to this day, systemic barriers remain that undermine progress towards achieving equitable outcomes for Māori people.
Implications for Policy and Resource Allocation
The study’s recommendations call for urgent changes to the state’s treatment of Māori people in the criminal justice system. These modifications are key to better serving their unique needs. Future policy changes should prioritize gathering and understanding comprehensive and accurate data. This would better represent the true number of incarcerated Māori and provide resources that are brought in line with their needs.
Additionally, increasing access to primary care services is critical for bettering health outcomes among Māori following release from prison. This new effort will require a serious economic commitment. It calls for a deep dedication to providing culturally competent care, recognizing the specific hurdles that this population may encounter.