New Research Examines Impact of Parental Imprisonment on Tamariki Māori

A major new research project was announced on Wednesday, 9 September 2026, aimed at uncovering the "hidden sentence" served by tamariki and rangatahi when a parent or primary caregiver is imprisoned. The study, funded by the Borrin Foundation, brings together a multi-disciplinary team of experts including Professor Khylee Quince (AUT), Professor Tracey McIntosh (University of Auckland), Professor Julia Tolmie, and Professor Barry Milne. The project was initiated following a specific request from the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court for New Zealand-based data regarding the consequences of sentencing parents who are sole or primary caregivers. The research carries significant implications for Māori whānau. According to the study leaders, 67 percent of women currently imprisoned in Aotearoa are Māori, and Māori children are statistically more likely to live in single-parent households headed by mothers. Professor Quince noted that the consequences of maternal imprisonment fall disproportionately on tamariki Māori, often triggering a chain of disruption including changes in housing, schooling, and connections to wider whānau and whakapapa. Professor Tracey McIntosh highlighted the potential for intergenerational impacts, noting that many incarcerated wāhine experienced state care themselves as children. The research will utilize interviews, population data, and engagement with community organizations to track outcomes in health and education for these children. The team will also examine how New Zealand judges currently approach bail and sentencing decisions and whether the interests of children are sufficiently visible during these legal processes. Ultimately, the project aims to develop recommendations for law reform and improved judicial practices. By examining international models and existing local programs, the researchers hope to determine if there are better ways to manage cases involving caregivers that account for the stability and rights of children without forgoing legal accountability.