By Ray Colmenar, President of Akonadi Foundation
In a time when the freedoms and rights of our most vulnerable neighbors are under constant threat, we are called to rise together, not just in resistance, but in the spirit of transformation. The work of protecting the communities we serve is urgent, but so is the work of highlighting what is possible: the innovative, promising solutions being championed by committed leaders that are lighting the way toward a more racially just Oakland.
Last month, I had the privilege of traveling to Aotearoa (the Maori name for New Zealand) with a delegation of advocates, systems leaders, and funders from Alameda and San Francisco Counties. Our journey was part of Journey to Justice, a cross-sector initiative supported by local funders, including Akonadi Foundation, to reimagine and transform the youth justice system and create safer communities for all. I appreciate the leadership of the Zellerbach Family Foundation for creating this initiative, and the team at Impact Justice who helped facilitate our visit.
In Auckland, we had the opportunity to meet with some truly remarkable cross-sector leaders who are working tirelessly to improve the lives of children and families. It was a transformative experience and one that will undoubtedly shape the work we do moving forward. While it will take some time to fully absorb and apply the lessons we learned, I wanted to share some initial reflections.
The Oranga Tamariki Act 1989
Our visit primarily focused on the implementation of the Children’s and Young People’s Well-being Act 1989, also known as the Oranga Tamariki Act. This landmark piece of legislation was born from decades of advocacy for Indigenous rights and autonomy, and it continues to be a central focus of Māori activism for self-determination.
Oranga Tamariki, which translates to “wellbeing of children” in Māori, refers to New Zealand’s Ministry for Children, a government body that oversees the welfare of children—including those at risk of harm, youth offenders, and children in state care. The Act was created as a response to a crisis in the youth justice system, marked by disproportionately high incarceration rates for Māori youth, and a court system that often intervened too frequently in the name of rehabilitation.
According to the National Juvenile Justice Network, this Act represented a seismic shift in New Zealand’s approach to youth justice. It radically downsized the youth justice system, prioritizing restorative justice over retributive approaches. The goal was to reduce youth involvement with the courts, promote diversion, empower victims, strengthen families and communities, and incorporate culturally appropriate practices. This was the first time a Western nation legislated the mandatory use of restorative practices throughout its youth justice system.
Challenges and Progress
While the leaders we spoke with acknowledged that the system is far from perfect, their commitment to continuous improvement was evident. Importantly, Maori elders and community leaders continue to emphasize that they want more responsibility and authority to care for their young people, who are in a system that was not designed by or for them.
Too many young people—especially Māori youth—remain trapped in the youth justice system, facing barriers like poor educational outcomes, limited economic opportunities, and unstable home lives. And while Oranga Tamariki is making strides, the system cannot address all of these issues alone. Leaders repeatedly pointed out the need for broader support in areas such as economic opportunities, access to quality health care, and housing.
What stood out to me was the incredible collective effort underway. Judges, organizers, advocates, service providers, police officers, and families are all working together, each playing a role in improving the well-being of young people. Many important factors contributed to their work over the years, but chief among them are: a clear policy framework provided by the Act, strong leadership committed to changing systems and shifting culture, community engagement and participation, particularly from the Māori community, and a collaborative approach to implementation that centers care, love, and healing.
Key Lessons
One of the most profound takeaways from our trip was the way youth justice leaders in New Zealand are grappling with the legacy of colonialism and the structures that continue to disproportionately affect Māori communities. This commitment is evidenced in some core principles that are rooted in the power of culture, community, connection, and care.
- Shifting Mission and Organizational Change: Leaders are deeply committed to addressing the root causes of youth offending, including the lack of education, economic opportunities, and family support. They are acknowledging the role of colonialism and its ongoing impact on Māori youth and integrating cultural practices into their work.
- Mana-Enhancing Care: A key principle of Oranga Tamariki is its “mana-enhancing” approach—where the child’s dignity and sense of worth are central to every interaction. This care is not just about meeting immediate needs, but about uplifting the spirit of the child and their family.
- Culture Heals: In the context of Māori culture, the whakapapa refers to a person’s genealogy or lineage. The concept is central to Māori identity, and is used to reconnect young people to their heritage and family histories, fostering a strong sense of belonging and pride.
- Community is the Solution: The Māori word for extended family, whānau, is foundational to the work being done. The emphasis is on strengthening families with a holistic approach to well-being and involving community members who care and have a stake in the child’s well-being.
As we reflect on the lessons from Aotearoa, I believe there are many ways we can apply these principles to our work in Oakland and Alameda County. The challenges we face may differ in some respects, but the need for collective action, cultural relevance, and restorative justice is universal.
As we continue to push for a more racially just Oakland, we must keep our focus on the solutions, the strategies, and the leaders who are already making change. I am energized by the work being done in New Zealand, and I look forward to working with our local leaders to translate these insights into meaningful changes for the communities we serve.