About the Navigate Initiative.
twenty years in the making
In 2018, the Navigate Initiative was officially launched as a JV partnership between Pathway and Ara Poutama (the Dept of Corrections).
It represented the culmination of our reintegration work since 1998. That work centred around providing common-sense supports such as jobs, accommodation and mentoring for men re-entering the community from prison.
Independent research had shown the Pathway approach to have been very effective at reducing recidivism, with participants 43% less likely to return to prison than simply going it alone upon release.
Now there was to be an added dimension. The reintegration work would begin earlier, inside-the-wire, in the last third of a person’s sentence. It would be delivered in two stages:
- Within Christchurch Men’s Prison in a 20-bed facility provided by Corrections, and staffed by Pathway.
- From release onwards, Pathway would continue to deliver its mix of proven practical support as the men (referred to as Tū Ora) built a new life in the community.
Relationships forged inside-the-wire between Tū Ora and Pathway staff could continue on the outside, and be a big help.
It was hoped that this pilot called Navigate Initiative could make a difference in the lives of the Tū Ora it served, but also that it might lead to a fresh approach in addressing NZ’s very high recidivism rate - 57% returning to prison within 2 years of release.
Government and community in partnership.
The Navigate Initiative is a joint venture partnership between Corrections and Pathway. It is not a government contract and receives no government funding.
Instead, both parties contribute resources in an effort to ensure its continued success. Ara Poutama provides the 20-bed unit and physical programme space, along with custodial staff. Pathway provides its reintegration services and staff, both inside and outside the wire, and fully covers that cost through its network of supporters and its social enterprise business.
Pathway also mobilises a large number of community volunteers that help deliver programmes both inside and outside the wire. These volunteers are people who care deeply about addressing the problem of recidivism and generously donate their time and resources.
Read how volunteer Jane has made an impact behind the wire
A unique community funding model.
It costs Pathway about $500,000 each year to deliver its services to the Navigate Initiative partnership.
These funds come via the generosity of our community of Impact Investors. These are people or organisations who pledge an annual “impact investment” to the Navigate Initiative because they believe in the programme and want to see it succeed.
Individuals typically donate $1,000 annually over multiple years, and businesses sign up as Corporate Impact Investors for $5,000 per annum. In addition, some larger donors make one-off or multi-year grants.
Underwriting all of this is Pathway’s own business, Alloyfold, which as a cornerstone investor, contributes $50,000 per annum and also makes up any shortfall.
In truth, the Community (our investors and volunteers), could be seen as a third joint venture partner in the Navigate Initiative, underpinning Pathway and Corrections by providing financial and volunteer support.
The Navigate Initiative would simply not be possible without them.
community of
impact investors
How does Navigate Initiative work?
Each year in NZ 15,000 kiwis are released from prison into communities up and down the country. Our programme aims to better prepare people leaving prison for a crime-free lifestyle on the outside.
Inside the wire we focus on preparation for life in the community. A range of skills are taught. These might be practical skills like budgeting, carving, cooking, barista training, finding a job or how to buy groceries in the modern world. Or more ethereal activities like cultural development, restorative justice, creative writing or music.
In the community we focus on providing practical support designed to help Tū Ora break the cycle of crime and reimprisonment. We will assist with things like finding meaningful employment, getting stable accommodation, developing prosocial networks, banking and ID, addiction groups and reconnecting with whānau.
The Navigate Initiative exists to help people make a fresh start.
