SENTENCe EQUALITY
Providing quality and comprehensive pre-sentence reports
Who we are
Tara Oakley
Lead Report Writer
Ko Manawaru te maunga, ko Ōhinemataroa te awa, ko Mātaatua te waka, ko Ngāi Tūhoe te iwi, ko Ngāti Tāwhaki te hapū, ko Pāpueru te marae, ko Merepani tōku whānau
Tara Oakley has a depth of experience in having written cultural and background reports for several years, over many District Courts, High Courts and for the Court of Appeal. She is skilled in all components of the process and is highly qualified to undertake this role effectively. She holds both a Bachelor of Social Science from Massey University and a Master of Social Science with first class honours from the University of Waikato. Tara has also worked in the volunteer AOD sector for the past 14 years and thus has a clear understanding of the pathways to addiction, and a wide knowledge of rehabilitation options available around the country. Email: tara@sentenceequality.co.nz
Dr Juan Tauri
Senior Report Writer
Dr Juan Tauri has a Master of Philosophy from Cambridge University (1996) and a Doctorate in Indigenous Studies from the University of Wollongong (2016). Juan is an Adjunct Associate Professor affiliated with Indigenous Studies at Macquarie University (Sydney). He has spent 16 years teaching criminology at institutions in New Zealand and Australia, and 10 years working in the social policy sector in the public service in Wellington, including positions in Te Puni Kokiri, Ministry of Social Development and Corrections NZ. Juan has researched and published on a range of criminal justice topics including restorative justice, youth justice, gendered violence, research ethics, and Indigenous critique of criminal justice policy and practice. Email contact: jtauri@sentenceequality.co.nz
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Rebecca cupples
Senior Report Writer
Rebecca has strong experience both writing and peer reviewing a range of pre-sentencing reports. She has a Bachelor of Arts with first class honours from the University of Auckland. Majoring in anthropology, Rebecca’s degree concentrated on social and medical anthropology, with a special focus on the peoples and cultures of Aotearoa and the Pacific. She has extensive writing and research experience across academic disciplines, as well as in corporate and political environs. Email contact: rebecca@sentenceequality.co.nz
TE KARUOTERANGI TUTEAO
Senior Report Writer
Ko Taupiri te maunga, ko Waikato te awa, ko Kaawhia te moana, ko Tainui te waka, ko Waikato te iwi, ko Ngaati Mahuta ki tai te hapuu, ko Maketuu, Aaruka, raua ko Te Kooraha ngaa marae
Te Karuoterangi is an experienced cultural report writer. He is well qualified to do so, holding a Bachelor of Arts degree from The University of Auckland, majoring in Criminology and Politics & International Relations. He is a talented writer and highly effective interviewer. Te Karuoterangi is also well versed in te ao Māori, including te reo Māori and tikanga Māori. He is especially passionate about working with Māori and Pasifika clients. Email: karu@sentenceequality.co.nz
Lily Mcsporran
Senior Report Writer
Lily has worked with rangatahi and their whānau for many years in her roles as teacher and at-risk-youth support worker. She is a trained and experienced teacher of English, History and Art, with a special interest in New Zealand history, as well as being a consent educator. She has a Bachelor of Arts with first class honours in Literature and is an experienced writer and editor. Lily also works for Victoria University mentoring trainee teachers in culturally responsive teaching. Lily has been advocating for more equitable outcomes within the education sector for many years and now brings this experience and passion to her work within the criminal justice system. Email: lily@sentenceequality.co.nz
Taydia Heta-Morris
Senior Report Writer
Ki te taha o tōku pāpā: Nō uri tēnei o Te Arawa. Ko te mokopuna āhau o te whānau Morris me te whānau Rogers. Ki te taha o tōku māmā: Nō uri tēnei o Ngāti Awa me Ngāti Kahu. Ko te mokopuna āhau o te whānau Simpson/Wharewera ki Whakatāne, me te whānau Heta ki Kaeo.
Taydia has worked in the addiction sector for several years which has provided her with a comprehensive knowledge of AOD services available across the North Island. This has also allowed her substantial experience in working with a range of different whānau. Taydia has been heavily involved in peer support and has helped develop a motivational-living program with facilitation. She has a deep understanding and knowledge of te ao Māori and has the ability to apply this knowledge to her mahi. She has recently been awarded a Bachelor of Laws through the University of Waikato. Email contact: taydia@sentenceequality.co.nz.
Taydia has worked in the addiction sector for several years which has provided her with a comprehensive knowledge of AOD services available across the North Island. This has also allowed her substantial experience in working with a range of different whānau. Taydia has been heavily involved in peer support and has helped develop a motivational-living program with facilitation. She has a deep understanding and knowledge of te ao Māori and has the ability to apply this knowledge to her mahi. She has recently been awarded a Bachelor of Laws through the University of Waikato. Email contact: taydia@sentenceequality.co.nz.
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Kate Schick
Report Writer
Ko Tararua te pae-maunga, ko Wairarapa te roto, ko Ruamāhanga te awa, ko Tākitimu te waka, ko Pāpāwai te marae, ko Ngāti Kahungunu te iwi, ko Workman tōku whānau
Kate holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Otago with a focus on languages and culture. Her career in the private sector has involved working with a wide cross-section of society and trying to understand their needs. Kate has spent the last decade volunteering in the alcohol and other substances recovery space, and has a special interest in the relationship between substance abuse and offending and pathways that help to achieve abstinence and general wellbeing. Email contact: kate@sentenceequality.co.nz
Kate holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Otago with a focus on languages and culture. Her career in the private sector has involved working with a wide cross-section of society and trying to understand their needs. Kate has spent the last decade volunteering in the alcohol and other substances recovery space, and has a special interest in the relationship between substance abuse and offending and pathways that help to achieve abstinence and general wellbeing. Email contact: kate@sentenceequality.co.nz
Antoinette Powle
Report Writer
Antoinette has been involved background report writing for several years. She has a unique point of difference to many working in this space; she has lived experience with gang association and incarceration and has had to learn how to navigate the criminal justice system within this context. Given her experiences, Antoinette is highly effective in gathering crucial, sensitive information to produce high-quality and in-depth background reports. Further to her ability to build quick rapport with her clients, she also is a living example of a person’s ability to change their life around, often inspiring her clients to imagine a different future for themselves. She has a level 5 Mental Health and Addiction Certificate and is currently working her way through a Bachelor of Social Sciences degree through the University of Waikato, majoring in criminology.
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Dr Maureen Marra
Editor and Report Writer
Dr Maureen Marra is an experienced researcher and author in a diversity of subjects in which she has qualifications and work experiences. She has a Master of Science in Geography from Auckland University, and a PhD in Geology from Victoria University of Wellington. While her qualifications, and expertise are mainly in Earth sciences, over the past decade her work, research and publications have shifted to Social Science and Anthropology with the lens on cultural aspects of human behaviour and communities. Maureen has a depth of experience working in the Waikato Community sector in research, professional development and as a volunteer. Furthermore, Maureen has two years’ experience working as an editor and writer for Sentence Equality.
Douglas Bridge
Report Writer
Douglas is an experienced researcher, writer and science communicator. He has a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science from the University of Waikato. He has written numerous technical reports and behavioural studies over the past 25 years. As a researcher he has practice preparing and writing evidence for court proceedings. Email contact: doug@sentenceequality.co.nz
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Tiffany Shirtliff
AOD Clinician
Tiffany is DAPAANZ registered with five years of experience in the Alcohol and Other Drugs sector, serving as an Operations Manager for a residential treatment centre. She holds a Level 4 Certificate in Mental Health and Addictions, a Diploma in Applied Addictions Counselling, and has recently completed a postgraduate certificate in health sciences, specialising in drug and alcohol studies. Tiffany's expertise encompasses program facilitation, counselling, and a comprehensive understanding of the impacts of addiction on well-being.
Alison Coughlan
Social Worker/AOD Clinician
Alison’s qualifications include a Bachelor of Social Science majoring in Social Work (2013) and a Post Graduate certificate in Health Science in Mental Health and Addiction (2018). She has a passion for advocating for healthy communities and has been working in the mental health and addictions field for the past eight years. She has experience in community-based settings, justice, leadership, and is currently working as a clinical team leader for an alcohol and drug residential treatment facility. Experience in the following practice areas: AOD specialist treatment and assessments, gambling harm reduction and trauma informed care.
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Rochelle Blewett
AOD Clinician
Rochelle is DAPAANZ registered with six years of experience in the Alcohol and Other Drugs sector, working within a Māori Kaupapa service working alongside tangata whaiora and rangatahi. She has completed a Diploma in Applied Addictions Counselling, and a postgraduate certificate in health sciences, specialising in drug and alcohol studies. Rochelle's expertise encompasses counselling for both young people and adults, and a comprehensive understanding of the impacts of addiction on well-being.
Justyn Murray
AOD Clinician
Ko Po Hurihanga te tangata, Ko Kurahaupo tōku waka, Ko Parengarenga tōku moana, Ko Maunga Piko tōku maunga, Ko Te Hapua tōku whenua tupuna, Ko Te Hiku o te Ika tōku whare tupuna, Ko Ngāti Kuri tōku iwi.
Justyn is a qualified addictions practitioner with a Level 7 Diploma in Applied Addictions Counselling and is currently studying at a post graduate level in Cultural Supervision. His primary skillset is in comprehensive assessment, one on one counselling, group counselling, programme facilitation and professional supervision. He is registered with DAPAANZ and has five years of experience managing a family centred drug and alcohol rehabilitation programme in Northland. Justyn is passionate in his mahi and is optimistic that he can offer support and locate options that can best serve whaiora motivated to improve their wellbeing.
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