A system overwhelmed: addressing remand population growth and court backlogs in the wake of Covid-19

In this episode, we delve into the findings of the crime and punishment section of the 2023 State of the Nation Report, discussing the challenges and disparities within New Zealand's justice system. 

Our guest, Salvation Army social policy analyst Ana Ika, helps us unpack the reasons behind the increase in victimizations and the decline in proceedings against alleged offenders, as well as the implications of the soaring remand population.

We talk about the pressing issue of family violence and its impact on the justice system, exploring potential steps to mitigate this crisis. Our conversation highlights the disparities in imprisonment and recidivism rates between Māori and non-Māori, and we discuss possible solutions to promote a more equitable justice system for all New Zealanders.

We also chat to Dr. Gina Colvin, about the challenges facing Māori in New Zealand, including the consequences of colonization and the importance of whānau wellbeing. 

State of the Nation is a report released each year by The Salvation Army (now in its 16th year), that tracks the progress and decline of key wellbeing areas for communities across New Zealand.

You can read the full State of the Nation report here: www.salvationarmy.org.nz/research-policy/social-policy-parliamentary-unit/state-nation-2023

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