Turnaround Waimakariri is a Restorative Justice Programme which deals with offenders referred by the Rangiora District Court. The programme deals with adult criminal and traffic offenders 17 years of age and older.
Restorative Justice is an alternative way of dealing with some offenders and offences out of the formal Criminal Justice System (Court). Instead, offenders face a Restorative Justice Community Panel, comprised of representatives from Police, community members and the Programme Coordinator.
The penalties involve reparation to victims, donations to charity (usually local), letters of apology, community work, defensive driving courses, anger management courses, counselling and drug and alcohol assessments.
The programme has worked with over 1,000 offenders since it started in December 2009.
Important Information Relating to the Restorative Justice Programme
- Restorative Justice is voluntary and at any stage an offender can ask to withdraw, and be dealt with by the Court
- Restorative Justice is also voluntary for the victim of the offending and they can withdraw at any stage
- The Restorative Justice Community Panels are usually held at Wellbeing North Canterbury, 29 High Street, Rangiora
- Upon successful completion of the contract, Police will seek leave of the Court to have any charge or charges withdrawn
- If the contract is not carried out as agreed to, the matter is referred back to Court for resolution.
To qualify for Restorative Justice, an offender must agree to the following terms:
- Accept responsibility for their actions
- Accept responsibility for the satisfactory completion (within the specified time period) of any recommendations decided upon by the Restorative Justice Community Panel that is held to determine how the offending should be resolved.
Contact
Chris Roper
Turnaround Waimakariri Coordinator
Phone: (03) 311 8977
Mobile: 021 480 854
Email: chris.roper@wmk.govt.nz