Too Few Staff as Youth Facility Rocked by Violence
The latest of a string of incidents at a South Auckland Youth Justice Facility proves the residence is still being
mismanaged, but repeated warnings to the government have been ignored.
“New Zealand First has learned that there were not enough staff rostered on last night at the Korowai Manaaki Youth
Facility when youth overpowered staff and scaled a roof,” says Spokesperson for Youth Affairs Darroch Ball. “We
understand there only 10, well below the minimum 15 required.
“Assaults on staff, escape attempts and mini riots have gone on here for the past few years – hundreds of incidents have
rocked the facility and put both staff and youth at risk.
“Korowai Manaaki Youth Justice Facility requires immediate intervention and further oversight by Minister of Social
Development Anne Tolley. We see an urgent need for this to be extended to all youth justice facilities in New Zealand.”
ENDS