Manurewa marae kaumatua, from left, Toi Katipa, Rangi McLean and Martin Cooper at the ceremony at Orakei Marae.

Marae-based youth courts have been recognised internationally for helping Maori and Pasifika youth access justice.

The Rangatahi and Pasifika Courts were given the Australasian Institute of Judicial Administration's 2015 Award for Excellence in Judicial Administration.

The award recognises a number of District Court judges and kaumatua from 14 marae for their work in starting the court.

It also recognises the court for involving the Maori community in the court process.

Operating within the Youth Court, the programme offers young offenders the chance to reconnect with their cultural identities.

Kaumatua from each marae sit alongside the judge in proceedings, offering cultural advice and guidance.

Both chief District Court judge Jan-Marie Doogue and principal Youth Court judge Andrew Becroft say the court is addressing Maori and Pasifika youth offending.

"They have been challenged by both the legal community and their own communities, and have been accountable to both," they say.

"We are delighted their commitment has been recognised in this way."

The Manurewa Marae has run a Rangatahi Court since 2009 and the Pasifika Court at Mangere has operated since 2010.

Since it launched in 2008, more than 1300 youth have gone through or are undertaking the court process.

A 2014 evaluation found young people were 11 per cent less likely to reoffend after going through the court.