Since 2018, we have prepared over 175 Section 27 reports (also known as "cultural reports") for defendants across Aotearoa New Zealand appearing for sentencing in the criminal courts.
Defendants have received sentence discounts of up to 35% because of factors raised in our reports, and our ability to demonstrate the clear link between background, trauma, addiction and offending has led to therapeutic-focused responses in Court. For example, discounts applied to a maximum end sentence of six years, two months' imprisonment resulted in a sentence of one year's home detention, which set a precedent through a Supreme Court ruling.
Our reports have also been commended by lawyers and sentencing judges, and by individuals who have been guided along a better pathway (see more testimonials below).
Defendants have received sentence discounts of up to 35% because of factors raised in our reports, and our ability to demonstrate the clear link between background, trauma, addiction and offending has led to therapeutic-focused responses in Court. For example, discounts applied to a maximum end sentence of six years, two months' imprisonment resulted in a sentence of one year's home detention, which set a precedent through a Supreme Court ruling.
Our reports have also been commended by lawyers and sentencing judges, and by individuals who have been guided along a better pathway (see more testimonials below).
I have also read the s27 report which I wish to comment is an excellent report that addresses your personal, family, community and cultural background.
Sentencing Judge, 2022
Photo by Aaron Smale
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What is a cultural report?
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Outcomes of s27 reports
We have interviewed over 140 defendants about to be sentenced. Their charges vary and have included, amongst other things, manslaughter, possession of methamphetamine for supply, aggravated robbery, family violence, sexual violence, burglary and shop lifting.
Social exclusion, unresolved trauma and mental illnesses can lead to high levels of risk-taking. We cover these factors in our reports where applicable, alongside any of the following:
We believe cultural reports can be transformational. Throughout our interviews defendants have the opportunity to think about their life and discuss positive pathways to address their behaviour and triggers and to break their cycle of offending. As such, we have also helped to secure special conditions for defendants upon release, including:
Social exclusion, unresolved trauma and mental illnesses can lead to high levels of risk-taking. We cover these factors in our reports where applicable, alongside any of the following:
- an unsettled childhood;
- death of a parent or loved one;
- physical, sexual and/or emotional abuse;
- substance use;
- disconnection from whakapapa and tikanga Māori; and
- poor physical and mental health.
We believe cultural reports can be transformational. Throughout our interviews defendants have the opportunity to think about their life and discuss positive pathways to address their behaviour and triggers and to break their cycle of offending. As such, we have also helped to secure special conditions for defendants upon release, including:
- alcohol and drug assessments or programmes,
- counselling and other specialist care; and
- tikanga Māori training and support.
Testimonials
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"I have also read the s27 report which I wish to comment is an excellent report that addresses your personal, family, community and cultural background."
- Sentencing Judge, 2022 This is EXCELLENT, I have no changes whatsoever. I’ve learnt a lot about my client and I am sure that this will be very helpful to the sentencing Judge.
- Lawyer, 2021 A year ago I couldn't see things ever being good again, but with the support of my family and the sentence you helped me get, everything has worked out. I still have two months left of my home detention sentence but my future is looking bright [...] I was blessed with the opportunity to get back into work [...] and during this time I've had multiple opportunities come up.
- Client, 2022 "The Judge quoted paragraphs from your report which showed that he agreed with your comments."
- Lawyer, 2021 |
"Harry was inspirational. He travelled north to see me while I was on Home Detention and his questions for the report and his positive influence was an eye-opener for me. I was a heavy meth user and he helped me to see a better path. He shared his knowledge of groups I could and did attend, and I’ve now been recovering for 4.5 years. Thank you Harry, you helped me so much."
- Client, 2023 Many thanks – these reports you write do hugely help to get some clients just across the line to a community based
sentence, which if the report was not done would undoubtedly be prison instead. - Lawyer, 2021 In sentencing, the Judge made specific reference to your report. The word used was “illuminator”.
- Lawyer, Law Aid, 2020 "Your s 27 report was excellent & the judge also said it was very helpful & directed that I send it to [the client's] Probation Officer"
- Lawyer, 2023 |
Our section 27 report writing services
Our s27 report writing service involves a three-step process: interviewing the client, preparing the report and allowing time for feedback.
InterviewWe interview the defendant no matter their location in Aotearoa New Zealand.
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PrepareWe develop a robust narrative and evidence-based report.
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FeedbackWe ensure time for review and feedback for clients and lawyers before the report is filed.
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Contact us for a quote
Get in touch with us for a quote and availability of our services using our form below. You can also reach Harry Tam directly
on +64 (0)27 433 6217
on +64 (0)27 433 6217
