A place for new beginnings: 15 years of Te Kōti o Timatanga Hou

Earlier this month, more than 100 people gathered at HomeGround to mark a significant milestone — the 15th anniversary of Te Kōti o Timatanga Hou | The Court of New Beginnings.

Judges, police, social workers, graduates of the Court and community partners came together to acknowledge a kaupapa that has helped people experiencing homelessness move toward stability, accountability and hope.

Established in November 2010, Te Kōti o Timatanga Hou was created to respond differently to offending where homelessness is a key factor. Rather than focusing solely on punishment, the Court recognises that lasting change happens when people are supported to address the underlying causes of their circumstances.

Through the Court, participants receive coordinated social and health support alongside judicial oversight. This approach holds people accountable while also providing the foundations needed to rebuild their lives - including access to housing, healthcare and ongoing support.

Our Street to Home keyworkers have been, and continue to be, a crucial part of this journey. By walking alongside participants and providing wraparound, relationship-based care, they help turn the Court’s intent into real, sustained change.

The anniversary celebration was also an opportunity to acknowledge Judge Tony Fitzgerald, who has served as the presiding judge of Te Kōti o Timatanga Hou since its inception and is now retiring. His leadership, compassion and belief in second chances have shaped the Court and the lives of many who have passed through it.

Independent evaluations of Te Kōti o Timatanga Hou show the impact of this approach is significant. For participants, the Court has contributed to:

• a 66% reduction in re-offending
• a 78% reduction in nights spent in prison
• a 78% reduction in hospital admissions

For Kloe, the Court’s first graduate, the impact was life-changing:

“I'm here to say how grateful and thankful I am for having the opportunity to change my life and start a new beginning. Without this court, I could have been still homeless, on the street, could have no family. But by accepting me into this court and helping me get a home, I've now become a greater person and a better person.”

Judge Tony reflected on what the Court has given him in return:

“I owe a debt of gratitude personally and professionally to the participants of the Court because I'm a better person and a better judge for the New Beginnings journey. Without doubt, I have seen some of the greatest examples of humility, kindness, patience, perseverance, determination and generosity. I have learned the greatest lesson a judge could ever learn from that work — everyone deserves a chance.”

Te Kōti o Timatanga Hou shows what is possible when justice, housing, health and social support come together — and when people are met with dignity, belief and practical help at the right time.

You can read more about the Court’s 15-year journey in this recent RNZ News article:
Te Kōti o Timatanga Hou – The Court of New Beginnings celebrates 15 years of success.