Oranga Tamariki is gearing up to launch a second boot camp for young offenders, aiming for a March 2026 start, but this plan has sparked debate.
Oranga Tamariki is planning to implement a new design for its second boot camp for serious youth offenders, with the goal of starting in March next year. This initiative follows the pilot program conducted last year, and it's designed to help teenagers who volunteer. The boot camp will be located at the Te Au rere a te Tonga youth justice residence in Palmerston North, the same location as the pilot program.
Initially, the Children's Minister stated that no specific date had been set for the program. However, Oranga Tamariki clarified its intentions, stating that the program is being planned under existing laws and is operationally ready for a March 2026 launch.
But here's where it gets controversial...
The Responding to Serious Youth Offending Amendment Bill, which would allow judges to sentence teenagers to military-style academies, had its first reading in Parliament in November. Labour MP Willow-Jean Prime raised concerns about the March start date, but Minister Karen Chhour maintained that no date was confirmed. Green MP Kahurangi Carter criticized the ministry for recruiting before the legislation was in place. Prime further criticized the government, stating that the government had said the legislation would be passed before another boot camp was launched. Instead, the government is experimenting on children.
Oranga Tamariki's spokesperson explained that while March is the aspirational timeline, it's not confirmed and could change. The minister cannot confirm the exact timing of the boot camp because it's still in development. Prime questioned the timing, noting that legislation was being progressed before the first pilot was completed. She emphasized the importance of not politicizing the lives of children and avoiding the repetition of failed experiments.
The pilot program's results showed a reoffending rate similar to past boot camps. Janet Mays, the ministry's program lead, stated that planning is well advanced, incorporating lessons from the 2024-25 pilot. The ministry has been recruiting for the program through online advertising. Key improvements include stronger Iwi engagement, improved transition planning, and more support for staff. These improvements are now being integrated into the new design.
And this is the part most people miss...
The program is recruiting psychologists, case leaders, residential youth workers, and other personnel. Oranga Tamariki is prepared for the delivery, aiming to support young people through a program that saw improvements in wellbeing, family and cultural connections, and a two-thirds drop in serious and violent offenses compared to a similar group. The physical infrastructure remains in place in Palmerston North.
Critics have consistently raised concerns about the effectiveness of boot camps in reducing youth offending. The pilot program's evaluation reported "meaningful and positive change" but noted limitations due to rushed implementation, a lack of consistent therapeutic support, and insufficient capacity in the residential phase. The program needs to engage with mana whenua and support families earlier, before the young people return home.
Mays stated that a new family support program would run alongside the residential phase. The 2024 pilot had a three-month residential phase, which is set to be extended, and a nine-month phase when the boys are back in their communities.
What do you think? Do you believe these boot camps are an effective approach to juvenile justice, or do you share the concerns about their potential impact? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
