Military-Style Academy Pilot Closes
The first 12-month Military-Style Academy pilot has now concluded, having provided support and opportunities that have made our communities safer and turned young lives around.
The pilot began in July 2024 at an existing Youth Justice residence, Te Au rere a te Tonga in Palmerston North. Throughout the pilot, participants were intensively supported, along with their whānau, by social workers, a mentor and other professionals.
Minister for Children Karen Chhour has stated, 'While the pilot only just closed, the feedback I have received has been overwhelmingly positive.'
'The aim of the pilot, trialling a new approach to working with the country's most serious and persistent youth offenders to reduce (and, ultimately, end) re-offending, has been achieved and, in some cases, exceeded.
'We have seen marked improvements in these young people's behaviour, attitudes to offending, and activities.
'The families of these young people have expressed great appreciation for the support they have been provided, such as accessing stable housing and parenting support services.
'Most importantly, many of the young people involved in the pilot have taken this opportunity to turn their lives around and are showing real promise.'
Minister Chhour said, 'Zero re-offending was never going to be realistic, but the goal of this programme has always been to provide meaningful supports and an opportunity for these young people to make better choices.'
'It is wonderful to see that so many have taken this chance and made great progress – several have found employment or work experience, some have returned to sports and other activities that promote positive social development, the vast majority have shown greater personal responsibility and a desire to no longer victimise others.
'This government committed to reducing the harm caused in our communities by serious and persistent youth offending.
We are now tracking to reach a 15% reduction in the total number of children and young people with serious and persistent offending behaviour well ahead of schedule and initiatives like the Military-Style Academy pilot have played a huge role in this success.'
'Communities are becoming safer, young people who lacked hope and direction are finding it, this government is getting results.'
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RNZ News
9 hours ago
- RNZ News
Espionage trial of New Zealand soldier shrouded in secrecy
The Linton-based soldier faces 17 charges under the Armed Forces Discipline Act. Photo: Petty Officer Chris Weissenborn A soldier with links to far-right groups and who is accused of spying will face a court martial hearing next week - a first-of-its-kind prosecution shrouded in secrecy for now. The Linton-based soldier's name is suppressed and so is the foreign country at the centre of the espionage case, as well as the names of some prosecution expert witnesses. RNZ is opposing these orders and a suppression hearing is scheduled for Monday morning, before the court martial begins. In late 2020, 17 charges under the Armed Forces Discipline Act were laid against the soldier, including espionage and possessing objectionable material. Since then, the case has wended its way through pre-trial hearings . RNZ has previously reported the soldier, aged 27 at the time of his arrest, was a member of far-right groups the Dominion Movement and Action Zealandia. A similar case 50 years ago saw Bill Sutch tried and acquitted in the civilian court of espionage , for passing information to the Russians. Next week's court martial is the first military case. "I think 'unusual' is not the right term," said retired Auckland University law professor Bill Hodge about the prosecution. "I think 'unique' might be the correct term." Hodge said the suppression orders appeared extensive. "I've always been surprised that there could be information held by the armed forces, which absolutely had to be kept top secret. "There maybe information about the citizens of a foreign jurisdiction and what they're doing here, but still, that would be of public interest." Hodge said military courts were historically ahead of civilian ones on matters of justice and fairness, although they might hold concerns about making information public. "Remember, the background of a military court would concern hostilities and [be] in the face of the enemy. In that sort of situation, that sort of context, they would be greatly concerned with information that would aid the enemy. "I don't see an enemy at this moment, so I'm still mystified at what secrecy they'll be pursuing." One difference between courts martial and civilian courts is that, instead of a jury, a panel of senior military officers hears the evidence, and decides on a defendant's guilt or innocence, and - if applicable - their sentence. In his previous career in the military, Hodge sat on these panels. "A military court is concerned with fairness, right to counsel, the insanity defence, for example, the discovery of information," he said. "One thing I could say firmly is the individual will have a fair trial, because in my experience, it's a fair system." David Pawson is an experienced court martial counsel and, in 30 years - firstly with the military police, then as a lawyer - he has never seen a similar case. "When I was a military police special investigator - that was at the end of the Cold War period - and even during that period, I was not aware of any investigation of that sort of nature. I have to say that was a new one to me." The system was robust and transparent, he said. "The court martial, in my experience, has always been very careful not to be seen as a secretive court and generally does apply those principles the same way that they do in the civil court." This meant the starting point for suppression decisions was open justice. Another experienced court martial lawyer, Michael Bott, said talking to a military panel was somewhat different to addressing a jury. "There are military values you have to take into account and also, with a court martial, it's governed by the Armed Forces Discipline Act, as opposed to the Criminal Procedure Act, but the Bill of Rights still applies. "When you're doing an opening and a closing, the processes and techniques are pretty much transferable." He said suppression arguments at courts martial sometimes included matters not applicable to civilian courts, such as national security. Hodge said he didn't think the court martial would reflect badly on New Zealand's reputation. "I think there's the opposite argument that the allies could say, 'New Zealand is alert, New Zealand is sufficiently concerned about this matter and they're looking after whatever information this might be'. "While you could say, 'Is New Zealand a leaky sieve?', no, New Zealand is behaving properly and attending to the disciplinary side of a possible breach." If the soldier is found guilty next week, he won't face the death penalty. This was removed from military law in 1989, but sentences for courts martial range from losing rank to a lengthy term in military prison. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
NZ Herald
2 days ago
- NZ Herald
Labour MP Willow-Jean Prime's claims of fight clubs, meth in youth justice facilities not substantiated by officials
Prime's claims about fight clubs, meth The Herald has obtained three letters between Prime and Chhour sent in the weeks after the Labour MP made the claims at the Social Services and Community select committee on June 18 about fight clubs and meth use. During that session, Prime asked about funding in this year's Budget for safety improvements in youth justice residences, including to address 'critical safety risks'. Labour MP Willow-Jean Prime is standing by her approach. Photo / Mark Mitchell She wanted to know why this was necessary considering Chhour said last year that work had been done to bring facilities up to a standard she was comfortable with and she was confident young people were now safe. The minister responded by saying change wasn't achieved overnight and she was wanting to constantly invest 'in the right places to make this sustainable and enduring'. Prime then asked whether the minister was aware of 'fight clubs' and 'significant methamphetamine use' in the facilities and asked 'What is in your Budget to address this?' Chhour responded that she wasn't aware of either, but told Prime 'if you are aware of those kinds of situations happening, I would urge you to come and let me know about that'. 'Sure, will do,' Prime said. Chhour went on to say the risks being addressed included staff previously not being listened to and contraband being brought into facilities. She has previously announced legislation to introduce new search provisions to reduce the risk of unauthorised items entering residences. Info 'from a credible source' - Prime The letters show that about a week after that session, Chhour wrote to Prime to 'follow up' about her questions. 'I am writing to reiterate my invitation to you and urge you to approach these issues with the seriousness they deserve given the health and wellbeing implications for the young people within the residences.' She asked Prime to provide information around what prompted the questions 'so that my office is able to follow up with Oranga Tamariki'. On July 3, Prime responded saying she asked about fight clubs and meth as 'I wanted to understand if these were the critical safety issues that received funding in Budget 2025 to address'. 'My questions were based on information from a credible source that I trust. I had expected that you would follow up with Oranga Tamariki based on the questions that I asked during the select committee Estimates Hearing. I certainly encourage you to do so now.' She said the well-being of young people 'is always my primary concern'. Chhour wrote on July 14 confirming her office 'did follow up straight away' with Oranga Tamariki. 'My officials advised me they have a range of measures in place to reduce that risk, but are not aware of any recent incidents matching that description, so are unable to investigate or intervene further.' She said she appreciated Prime wanted to protect her source, 'however without more information it is challenging for Oranga Tamariki to take action'. 'Please encourage them to report any incidents involving this kind of harm to young people to Oranga Tamariki, or Police, or consider utilising the Protected Disclosures Act 2022 if necessary.' Children's Minister Karen Chhour wanted more information from Willow-Jean Prime. Photo / Mark Mitchell Officials couldn't substantiate claims - Chhour Speaking to the Herald, Chhour said her focus was on ensuring children's safety. 'If there is an issue or a concern around the safety of young people, I would hope that politics would be put aside and the young people's safety would be put first,' she said. The minister suggested Prime could have taken a different approach with her question if she wanted to raise it publicly. 'The question could be asked in a completely different manner of, 'I'm hearing of concerns of this happening' rather than 'do you know about this'.' While Chhour said Prime did not contact her after the select committee, despite her invitation, the minister said she asked staff to look into the situation. However, officials couldn't substantiate Prime's comments, Chhour said. 'We've gone out, we've asked questions, we're looking. But unless we have a real focus on where to look, it's very hard, especially if people aren't speaking up, which is my message here. Please speak up.' She is not aware of any disclosures since she wrote to Prime. Chhour acknowledged incidents of youth fighting have happened in the past 'prior to me being minister', but she couldn't recall anything similar recently. She said occasionally illegal drugs were smuggled into residences, 'but no, a significant meth use has not been raised with me'. Oranga Tamariki runs the facilities. Photo / Jason Oxenham Prime told the Herald the information was provided by a 'trusted source'. 'I asked these questions within the context of the minister's statement last year claiming she was confident that young people in facilities were now safe and that those issues were no longer happening. 'This year's Budget then went on to pledge millions for critical safety risks – raising questions about what issues they were addressing. Abuse has been well documented in the history of these facilities, and any concerns that it is continuing must be taken seriously." Prime said, 'We need every confidence that history isn't repeating itself in state care.' Children's Cmmr unaware of meth, fight clubs Children's Commissioner Dr Claire Achmad said she took a close interest in the treatment of children in residences, especially given previous concerns relating to their treatment at Korowai Manaaki. A report by the commission's monitoring team stemming from a visit in February last year found instances there of fighting as well as illegal substances, such as cannabis. However, through the monitoring process, 'we have not been made aware of methamphetamine use in youth justice residences, and we have not heard about fight clubs since the leaked footage reported in 2023'. Video footage in July 2023 showed MMA-style fighting taking place in a youth justice residence. Staff were stood down after the video went public. Iain Chapman, acting deputy chief executive for Oranga Tamariki's Youth Justice Services and Residential Care, confirmed the agency was 'not aware of any recent incidents relating to significant methamphetamine use or fight clubs within our youth justice facilities'. 'The health, safety and wellbeing of rangatahi in our residences is a constant focus for Oranga Tamariki and we have significant work under way to enhance operational security in these spaces. 'We would encourage anyone with any information about harm to young people in residences to contact Oranga Tamariki or New Zealand Police.' The letters come after the Herald revealed last week that Prime ignored and then flat-out declined invitations by Education Minister Erica Stanford about NCEA reform despite Labour calling for cross-party consultation. Prime has since said she could have responded to Stanford to explain why she wasn't taking up the offers, while Labour leader Chris Hipkins has said his MP has 'learned a lot' from the episode. Jamie Ensor is a political reporter in the NZ Herald press gallery team based at Parliament. He was previously a TV reporter and digital producer in the Newshub press gallery office. In 2025, he was a finalist for Political Journalist of the Year at the Voyager Media Awards.
Scoop
5 days ago
- Scoop
Military-Style Academy Pilot Closes
Minister for Children The first 12-month Military-Style Academy pilot has now concluded, having provided support and opportunities that have made our communities safer and turned young lives around. The pilot began in July 2024 at an existing Youth Justice residence, Te Au rere a te Tonga in Palmerston North. Throughout the pilot, participants were intensively supported, along with their whānau, by social workers, a mentor and other professionals. Minister for Children Karen Chhour has stated, 'While the pilot only just closed, the feedback I have received has been overwhelmingly positive.' 'The aim of the pilot, trialling a new approach to working with the country's most serious and persistent youth offenders to reduce (and, ultimately, end) re-offending, has been achieved and, in some cases, exceeded. 'We have seen marked improvements in these young people's behaviour, attitudes to offending, and activities. 'The families of these young people have expressed great appreciation for the support they have been provided, such as accessing stable housing and parenting support services. 'Most importantly, many of the young people involved in the pilot have taken this opportunity to turn their lives around and are showing real promise.' Minister Chhour said, 'Zero re-offending was never going to be realistic, but the goal of this programme has always been to provide meaningful supports and an opportunity for these young people to make better choices.' 'It is wonderful to see that so many have taken this chance and made great progress – several have found employment or work experience, some have returned to sports and other activities that promote positive social development, the vast majority have shown greater personal responsibility and a desire to no longer victimise others. 'This government committed to reducing the harm caused in our communities by serious and persistent youth offending. We are now tracking to reach a 15% reduction in the total number of children and young people with serious and persistent offending behaviour well ahead of schedule and initiatives like the Military-Style Academy pilot have played a huge role in this success.' 'Communities are becoming safer, young people who lacked hope and direction are finding it, this government is getting results.'
