This research shows that when first encountering police, Māori who have had no prior contact with the justice system are 1.8 times at risk of a police proceeding and seven times more likely to be charged by Police, than Europeans. When someone is charged they are more likely to end up trapped in the justice system.

Their chance of re-offending increases with negative outcomes for whānau and communities. This analysis adds further weight to previous research findings on New Zealand police racism and discrimination and helps quantify the structural bias within our criminal justice system. It is recommended that the Government heed these findings and take immediate action to ensure that everyone in Aotearoa is treated with fairness, compassion and respect.