The Maori Party says it will work to abolish prisons by 2040 as part of its justice policy

It's plan would also create a parallel system called the Maori Justice Authority.

The proposal would also see 20 percent of the Corrections, Police and Court budgets shifted to the new authority.

The authority's goal would be to create justice based on Tikanga and self-governance.

Party co-leader Rawiri Waititi says the justice system traumatises and fails Maori at every level.