Honouring Māori protocol in court
Respecting tikanga and cultural practices in the legal system
TUI TUIA TE TURE
What is a Maori McKenzie Friend?
Maori McKenzie Friends offer self-litigants an avenue/option to receive a trustworthy, respectful approach to better outcomes in the New Zealand family court for Maori families.
An increasing number of New Zealanders are opting to use Maori McKenzie friends as an alternative means of moral support in court as they prepare to better present their own case as has been allowed for in New Zealand since 1970.
Whether out of a desire to express their own case, because lawyers’ fees make professional legal support unattainable, or because they seek a more empowering and relatable form of support, the role of a Maori McKenzie friend is becoming more and more sought after.
How does an accredited Maori McKenzie Friend differ from an accredited McKenzie Friend Professional or non-accredited McKenzie friend?
Maori McKenzie Friends Limited acknowledges Maori custom and values in New Zealand Law and we make a stand for “Greater access to Justice”.
Tui Tuia Te Ture means to sew/bind or integrate our two laws; one being the colonial judicial system and the other the Maori iwi system.
It is with this in mind, we work to broaden access to justice for Maori and to also improve outcomes for Maori families and their personal experience that many times harbour their feeling of being poorly served by the New Zealand justice system.
Our 3 day Self -Litigant program offers everyone thorough training as a self-litigant in preparation to be paired up with an Accredited McKenzie friend.
We will demystify the process and procedures and give you confidence to better represent yourself in court. We recommend after completing the course our Maori Self-Litigants pair up with their own accredited Maori McKenzie friend who will be armed with history, knowledge and customs of the courts which specifically affect Maori. For example click on the Law Commission Study Paper “Customs and values in NZ law” below.
It is far more efficient for you to be utilising your accredited Maori McKenzie friend’s knowledge to focus on the specifics of your court proceedings instead of merely using their expertise to help you navigate your way through a complex judicial process.
Whilst acknowledging you are your best advocate, we will walk beside you through your personal journey with the New Zealand Justice system, offering you the backing of a uniquely insightful understanding of the legal system, much needed moral support, and respectful communication.
We look forward to empowering you with crucial knowledge by giving you access to a credible, affordable, high level of legal knowledge from the founder and course presenter Vinay Deobhakta, in a peaceful way designed to get better outcomes for you and your family.