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Speech to launch video resources and website to promote Maori mental health workforce development, Grand Hall, Parliament

Our lack of a word for ‘guilt’ does not mean our tupuna were lawless and amoral. Quite the opposite. We had many ways of regulating social behaviour and delivering justice. But personal guilt was not the basis on which these things were judged.

I pay tribute to you all for your passionate commitment to a violence free society.

It is always a pleasure to attend events that recognise and celebrate achievement - and the 25th anniversary of a major Mäori incorporation is certainly an achievement worthy of celebration.

I have now been attending this conference for 22 years. Over that time I have only missed one. I have seen amazing growth in many areas and understandable and significant loss in others.

I am pleased to launch this package of resources this evening, and I salute the authors. They add to the kete of tools to help people learn te reo Mäori, and to understand the cultural imperatives that drive Mäori society.

I hope I am not here on false pretences. When you invited me, I was Associate Minister of Corrections - but not any longer. I gave up that role, so no-one can accuse me of conflicts of interest with my advocacy for prisoners. Advocacy is something I will continue to do.