Cultural Reports for Legal Proceedings

At Hokioi Therapy Limited, we specialise in preparing full, comprehensive cultural reports for legal clients on instruction from their lawyers, intended for use in New Zealand courts. Our reports are meticulously researched and evidence-based, providing the Court with a clear and balanced understanding of a client’s cultural identity, whānau connections, social context, and lived experiences. Grounded in tikanga Māori and guided by Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles, our work upholds cultural integrity while meeting the procedural and evidential standards expected by the judiciary. Each report is designed to support lawyers in presenting culturally informed material that is accurate, relevant, and professionally prepared for judicial consideration.

Why choose us:

• Court-ready, Section 27 cultural reports

• Culturally informed and evidence-based

• Professional, impartial, and reliable

• Guided by tikanga Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi

Our approach is both culturally grounded and legally informed. We work under instruction from legal counsel and engage respectfully with clients, whānau, and relevant cultural frameworks to gather accurate, meaningful information. Each report is developed through in-depth interviews, careful analysis of whakapapa, social history, and systemic influences, and consideration of pathways toward accountability and rehabilitation. We apply tikanga Māori principles throughout our practice, ensuring cultural safety, integrity, and balance, while aligning our work with Te Tiriti o Waitangi obligations. Our priority is to provide the Court with a well-reasoned, impartial, and culturally informed report that meets judicial expectations and supports fair and informed decision-making.

At Hokioi Therapy Limited, we follow a structured, transparent process to ensure each cultural report is thorough, accurate, and court-ready:

Referral & Instruction – Lawyers or legal representatives refer a client to us, providing relevant background and legal context. We confirm instructions and clarify the purpose and scope of the report.

Client Engagement – We meet with the client in a culturally safe environment, building trust and ensuring their voice, whakapapa, and experiences are accurately represented. Whānau involvement is included where appropriate and with consent.

Information Gathering – Our team collects relevant information from multiple sources, including interviews, social and family history, community context, and any previous reports or records.

Analysis & Report Preparation – We analyse the gathered information through a cultural and legal lens, applying tikanga Māori principles and considering Te Tiriti o Waitangi obligations. Reports are drafted to meet evidential standards and judicial expectations.

Review & Feedback – Draft reports are internally reviewed for accuracy, clarity, and cultural integrity. We may seek additional information or clarification if required.

Delivery & Support – The final report is delivered to the instructing lawyer for inclusion in court proceedings. We remain available for follow-up queries, clarifications, or court testimony if required.

Who We Work With

We work closely with legal professionals, including defence lawyers, prosecutors, and law firms, providing culturally informed reports to support their cases in New Zealand courts. Our services are also engaged by judges, probation officers, and other justice sector professionals who require detailed cultural context to inform decision-making. We collaborate respectfully with clients and their whānau, ensuring their stories, whakapapa, and lived experiences are accurately represented. By bridging legal requirements with cultural insight, we help all parties in the justice system access a deeper understanding of the individuals involved.

Why Cultural Reports Matter

Cultural reports play a vital role in ensuring that New Zealand courts and the justice system understand the broader context of a client’s life, identity, and experiences. They provide an evidence-based, culturally informed perspective that goes beyond conventional legal facts, highlighting social, whānau, and whakapapa influences that may impact behaviour, rehabilitation, and sentencing. By integrating tikanga Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles, our reports help the Court make fairer, more informed decisions while respecting the client’s cultural heritage. In doing so, these reports not only support legal processes but also contribute to more balanced and culturally aware outcomes for individuals and whānau involved in the justice system.

Q: What types of cases do you provide cultural reports for?

A: We prepare reports for criminal, family, and other legal proceedings where cultural context is relevant, with a focus on Section 27 criminal reports.

Q: Who prepares the reports?

A: Our team consists of experienced cultural practitioners and rongoā specialists, trained in tikanga Māori and court reporting standards.

Q: How long does it take to prepare a report?

A: Turnaround times depend on case complexity, but most reports are completed within 4–6 weeks from initial referral. Expedited services may be available on request.

Q: Are the reports court-ready?

A: Yes. All reports are professionally written, evidence-based, and prepared to meet the standards expected by New Zealand courts.

Q: Can the client or whānau contribute information?

A: Absolutely. We actively involve clients and, with consent, their whānau, ensuring reports reflect lived experiences, whakapapa, and cultural context accurately.

Q: Do you provide testimony or support in court?

A: Yes. We can attend court or provide clarifications to support lawyers in presenting the report as part of proceedings.

For more information please do not hesitate to contact Robyn on 0204 77 77 61 or further email inquiries to robyn@hokio.net