Police and local runanga believe a recently-signed memorandum of understanding will help reduce the disparities in offending between Maori and non-Maori in the South, and form a relationship of mutual trust, rather than mutual distrust.
The document, which took more than two years to come to fruition, is the first of its kind in the area, and its signatories hope it will increase police responsiveness to the needs of Maori.
Pouwhakataki iwi liaison co-ordinator Sergeant Marty Gray, of Dunedin, said Maori were accountable for 23% of apprehensions in the southern police district, despite making up only 7% of the population.
Sgt Gray said this number was "obviously an over-representation", and police were dedicated to reducing the figure.
The document, which outlines goals and desired outcomes was signed by the runaka of Moeraki, Puketeraki, Otakou and Hokonui, as well as police.
A Maori Advisory Board has been formed by representatives from each of the runanga, in order to carry on the relationship established by the memorandum.
Police have pledged to contact local runanga when making policy which affects them, although limits have been placed on input in day-to-day policing and emergency situations.
The memorandum states a desire for an environment where police staff understand the culture and values of Maori in their local area and within the police.
Otakou runanga representative Alby Ellison said it meant Maori could stand "face-to-face [with] police" in order to address the issues with offending in their communities.
There were particular issues with youth, Maori men and the overall perception of police, which had taken a "huge step forward" with the signing of the document.
There was also a disproportionately high number of Maori in the country's prisons, he said.
Police had realised that addressing Maori issues was different from addressing anyone else's and that when Maori offended it was best to keep their whanau informed so they could help to address the problem.
Sgt Gray said the memorandum put in place the expectations and roles of the parties and formalised a relationship that already existed.
