SENTENCe EQUALITY
Providing quality and comprehensive reports for court and parole proceedings
Who we are
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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
tara oAKLEY
Lead Report Writer and Editor
Tara brings extensive experience in preparing reports for all levels of the New Zealand Courts, a role she has held for several years. Her work is supported by a strong academic foundation, including a Bachelor of Arts from Massey University and a Master of Social Science with First Class Honours from the University of Waikato. She is also currently completing a Postgraduate Diploma in Health and Social Practice (Mental Health and Addiction), working toward becoming a DAPAANZ‑qualified practitioner within the mental health and addiction sector. This ongoing professional development further strengthens her capability to work effectively with individuals experiencing complex psychosocial, cultural, and wellbeing challenges. Her academic background underpins her ability to synthesise complex information and present it in formats that meet evidentiary and procedural standards. Tara’s reports reflect a nuanced understanding of social systems, legal processes, and the lived realities of those navigating them. Drawing on diverse source material and perspectives, she ensures each report is comprehensive, contextually accurate, and grounded in neutrality. Her approach is marked by rigour, clarity, and respect, supporting informed decision‑making across legal, clinical, and community settings. In addition to her court‑based work, Tara has contributed to the volunteer alcohol and other drug sector for over 15 years, reflecting a deep commitment to community wellbeing and further enhancing her ability to engage with individuals and communities affected by addiction, marginalisation, and systemic disadvantage.
Dr Juan Tauri
Senior Report Writer
Dr Juan Tauri has a MPhil from Cambridge University (1996) and Doctorate in Indigenous Studies from the University of Wollongong (2016). Juan is Professor of Criminology at the University of Melbourne, and Adjunct Associate Professor with Indigenous Studies at Macquarie University (Sydney). He has spent 17 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.
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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.
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 and background 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.
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.
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 brings a rich and varied background across the health, social, and legal sectors, equipping her with a comprehensive understanding of the services and pathways available to tangata whaiora. Her experience spans working alongside diverse whānau, strengthening her ability to navigate complex systems with empathy and insight. Grounded in Te Ao Māori, Taydia applies this knowledge meaningfully in her mahi, ensuring culturally responsive and respectful practice. Recently admitted to the Roll of Barristers and Solicitors of the High Court of New Zealand, she remains deeply committed to work anchored in justice, community, and compassion.
Taydia brings a rich and varied background across the health, social, and legal sectors, equipping her with a comprehensive understanding of the services and pathways available to tangata whaiora. Her experience spans working alongside diverse whānau, strengthening her ability to navigate complex systems with empathy and insight. Grounded in Te Ao Māori, Taydia applies this knowledge meaningfully in her mahi, ensuring culturally responsive and respectful practice. Recently admitted to the Roll of Barristers and Solicitors of the High Court of New Zealand, she remains deeply committed to work anchored in justice, community, and compassion.
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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.
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.
Antoinette Powle
Report Writer and Admin Extraordinaire
Antoinette brings several years of experience writing background reports, strengthened by the unique insight of her lived experience with gang affiliation and incarceration. Having navigated the justice system herself, she builds rapport with clients quickly and is skilled at gathering sensitive information that others may struggle to access. Her reports are known for their depth, accuracy, and authenticity. As someone who has turned her own life around, she often inspires clients to see the possibility of change in their own lives. Antoinette holds a Level 5 Mental Health and Addiction Certificate and is currently completing a Bachelor of Social Sciences, majoring in Criminology, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Health and Social Practice (Mental Health and Addiction), working toward becoming a DAPAANZ‑qualified practitioner.
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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. Maureen also has two years’ experience working as an editor and writer for Sentence Equality.
Jessica Hastings
Report Writer
Jessica holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Auckland, majoring in Education and Criminology, graduating with multiple awards. She has been active in AOD recovery and justice reform networks for over ten years. Jessica is a published academic who brings this knowledge and empathy into her role as a writer.
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Tiffany shirtliff
Senior AOD Clinician
Tiffany is DAPAANZ registered with six years of experience in the Alcohol and Other Drugs sector. She holds a Level 4 Certificate in Mental Health and Addictions, a Diploma in Applied Addictions Counselling, and has completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Health Sciences, specialising in drug and alcohol studies. She is currently undertaking a Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences and holds endorsement in Mental Health and Addictions Clinical Supervision. Tiffany previously served as Operations Manager for a residential treatment centre, where she led programme facilitation and counselling services. Her current focus is on clinical supervision, drawing on a trauma-informed and culturally responsive approach, with a deep understanding of addiction’s impact on individual and whānau well-being.
Alison Coughlan
Senior AOD Clinician
Alison Coughlan is an experienced social worker and addictions practitioner with 12 years’ experience in the social work sector, including nine years specialising in alcohol and other drug (AOD) practice. She holds a Bachelor of Social Science (Social Work), a Postgraduate Certificate in Health Science (Mental Health and Addictions), and a Certificate in Addiction and Mental Health Supervision. Alison has worked across community, justice, and residential settings, including roles as Clinical Team Leader in a residential AOD service, AOD programme facilitator within prison settings, and Team Leader for a gambling harm service. She specialises in AOD assessment and treatment, gambling harm reduction, and trauma-informed practice. Alison is also DAPAANZ accredited supervisor. Her work is informed by ethical practice standards and a strengths-based, rehabilitative approach.
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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 enthusiastic to offer support and locate options that can best serve whaiora motivated to improve wellbeing.