'Fantastic' to see family harm reduction approach Gandhi Nivas embraced

It's fantastic to see the Police Commissioner, ministers and the Governor General praising the "phenomenal" impact of Gandhi Nivas in reducing family harm over the past 10 years.

Gandhi Nivas has taken a fresh approach to family harm since 2014 by helping perpetrators of harm to change and suporting whānau.

I’m so proud of visionary Gandhi Nivas founder Ranjna Patel, who is also a Total Healthcare executive trustee, and the successful partnerships the organisation formed with the community, New Zealand Police and funders.

Total Healthcare, initially a seed funder of Gandhi Nivas, and offering ongoing governance and lobbying support, believes in addressing both the physical and social determinants of health to reduce inequities and improve people’s lives.

Tenth anniversary celebrations were held in March at Parliament and Government House. At Parliament Police Commissioner Richard Chambers thanked Ranjna and the team at Gandhi Nivas: “You have made a phenomenal difference for 10 years and I know that will continue,” he said.

“Police leaders current and past – we love people like you," said Commissioner Chambers. "Policing is tough and we can't do it on our own.

“It’s a credit to the relationships that we have and Gandhi Nivas is one example of the community partnerships that make such a difference.”

Police and Ethnic Communities Minister Mark Mitchell said Gandhi Nivas's services were valued by police officers on the frontline. "They know it’s impactful, and they know that no matter the time of day or night, people needing assistance can receive it immediately.” He also noted the Ministry for Ethnic Communities values Gandhi Nivas for its culturally sensitive and linguistically appropriate services.

And, in Auckland, Governor General Dame Cindy Kiro praised Gandhi Nivas for helping to break the inter-generational cycle of family harm in Aotearoa.

“It was so heartening to read that Massey University’s research established nearly 60 percent of men who have been through Gandhi Nivas have not reoffended,” Dame Cindy said.

“You have shown that it is possible to rehabilitate offenders and to achieve long-term change in behaviour and help heal their families.”

Massey researchers’ findings over the past 10 years show Gandhi Nivas is making a real difference in reducing harm and improving families lives. The initiative now needs more funding so it can expand further in Auckland, and it would be great to see it picked up nationally to rehabilitate more offenders and protect more whānau.