twenty years in the making

Pathway Trust began its work in 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 the 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.

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.