A catalyst for change

From left: Rue-Jade Morgan, Jeremy Lightfoot, and Kerry Van Der Laan (photo supplied by Otago Corrections Facility)

Education is all about transformation and growth, and it doesn’t get more transformative than Te Hōkai Manea Tīpuna, a tikanga programme that Rue-Jade Morgan has been running since 2017 at the Otago Corrections Facility (OCF).

During the programme, which Jade delivers alongside OCF Corrections Officer, Kerry Van Der Laan, the men learn kapa haka, waiata, whaikōrero (oratory), mau rākau (Māori weaponry), mau patu, ti rākau (martial arts) and the principles of tikanga to inspire positive change.

As a young man, Jade faced many challenges and has used these formative times to design the programme - giving it depth, richness and authenticity.

Basing the programme on his own experiences in the justice system, Jade shares his personal story with the men. Part of this story includes time he spent in prison, where he met Rakatira (elders). These men supported Jade to reconnect with Te Ao Māori through mau rākau training, inspiring him to change his life.

Now Jade brings this opportunity to others. For many, this is their first introduction to study, and it opens the door for them to pursue further education in Kaupapa Māori pathways.

In October, the latest cohort of men graduated, supported by their whānau and OCF colleagues.

And this graduation was particularly special as it was attended by Corrections CEO, Jeremy Lightfoot.

“The graduation ceremony was wonderful,” says Jeremy.

“It was clear how impactful the programme has been to the men. It was great to hear the men share their pepeha and the confidence they had gained through the programme.

“One that stood out to me was a man being released this week who had experienced all aspects of our custodial environment – from being in maxi to low security. He spoke about how Te Hōkai Manea Tīpuna had grounded him and given him purpose.

He has a young whānau, and they are a strong motivation to him. He doesn’t want his children to take the same path he took and is committed to making positive changes in his future.

“What he has learnt through Te Hōkai Manea Tīpuna will support him with this. This is an awesome programme and shows how our mahi can support people to leave us in a better state and with brighter prospects. Thank you to everyone involved.”

For Jade, the event was a culmination of the participants hard work, vulnerability and willingness to engage in not only a motivational programme underpinned by educational achievement but also to take a step closer to their cultural identities.

“The participants showed high levels of rehabilitative thinking and were able to challenge their own values and beliefs pertaining to the impacts of their offending on their victims, their whānau and their futures.

“Having Jeremy attend was an absolute highlight for my kaupapa.

“The programmes team and Kerry are also a facet of the kaupapa that deserves a special mention, and the programme wouldn't be the same without their respective inputs.

“Personally, I relish the challenge of facilitating effective change on this level with some of the country's more difficult prisoners and to ultimately help people in care make better, healthier, more positive and crime free decisions in their lives which in turn is a better outcome for our society as a whole.

“I'm truly blessed to be able to help our society in this way and am excited to continue to deliver this rongoa - medicine well into the future.”