Restorative Justice Services Ōtautahi Christchurch (RJSOC) started partnering with the University of Canterbury’s Professional and Community Engagement Programme (PACE) in late 2023 with our first student intern. This programme has worked so well for our team that in July, we will have our sixth intern join us. Every intern we have received has been a great addition to the team. To celebrate this successful partnership, our current intern, Eliza, has gathered feedback from some of our past interns and created the following news update.
Interning with the Restorative Justice (RJSOC) team has been a transformative experience for several PACE students, offering meaningful, hands-on exposure to a system focused on healing rather than punishment.
Crystal worked on two projects when she was with Restorative Justice; “gathering statistical data from client feedback and annual hui. Attending the hui was fantastic for networking and seeing RJ in action… It opened my eyes to how effective it is for all participants involved (offender and victim), and the closure and powerful impact this had for the victim. That was also my highlight. I also felt very welcomed by all the staff there and feel I have made lifelong friends. She added, “I felt so welcomed—I’ve made lifelong friends and was even asked to continue volunteering with them, which was amazing!”
For Yasaman, the hui was also a standout experience. “I met with different facilitators from the South Island and was able to hear some of their experiences in this field. There were also workshops during the hui that I found useful. Particularly, the workshop about methamphetamine use was insightful.” She reflected that Restorative Justice is deeply rooted in Tikanga Māori and believes it allows people who’ve been harmed to take responsibility while giving victims a voice and a path forward.
During her internship, Jade worked on two major projects: supporting the 10th anniversary of Section 24A of the Sentencing Act and updating the facilitator toolkit. “I loved every second,” she said, “Therefore, interning with RJ, I loved every second and learnt even to consider working for an NGO after graduating as I had my sights strictly set on the MOJ as a BCJ graduate. I learnt that the work was fulfilling in terms of filling up my cup and feeling as though I was helping people.” She continued, stating, “Ultimately, I learned the importance of finding a career which shares the same values as you. As a third-year BCJ student and a mature student, my work history has involved.”
Eliza, the current 2025 intern, echoed these sentiments. “I’ve been warmly welcomed and have worked on blog posts and Canva posters, and I loved participating in the Autumn training hui. Being in courtrooms and seeing my degree come to life has been incredible. Before this internship, I had no idea what I wanted to do after uni. Now, I know I want to help people in a hands-on way, just like the RJ team does.”
Across the board, the interns agree that their time with RJ has been a highlight of their studies. As Jade summed it up, “My degree gave me theory—RJ gave me purpose.” For any student seeking to bridge the gap between the classroom and the community, the PACE internship at Restorative Justice offers an unforgettable and empowering journey.
