Summarised by Centrist
A recent pilot programme involving a military-style academy for young offenders has concluded with mixed results, according to Oranga Tamariki, seven of the ten participants reoffended during the 12-month pilot.
Despite this, the agency and Minister for Children Karen Chhour are calling the programme a success after eight of the original ten completed it.
The pilot targeted the most serious and persistent young offenders in the country, mostly Māori males aged 15 to 18, all from the North Island. The programme was split into two phases: three months in the boot camp and nine months in the community.
Oranga Tamariki’s acting senior manager Iain Chapman said expecting zero reoffending would have been naïve given the challenges these youths face.
Chapman talked up individual success stories, including one young man turning away from negative influences, engaging in rugby, and taking steps like removing tattoos. Some participants also found work experience in hospitality, labouring, and sport.
Minister Chhour emphasised the positive feedback from families and the importance of giving participants the chance to make better choices. She acknowledged that “zero re-offending” was never the goal but praised the majority for showing greater responsibility and progress.
Chapman suggested the boot camp phase might need to be longer, perhaps six months, pending legislation.
While the programme’s long-term effectiveness remains uncertain, officials note that breaking cycles of offending is a complex, gradual process.
