Oecd Report Damning Of Nz’s Youth Crime And Suicide Rates
“Hon. John Tamihere ought to be devastated by the grim OECD report which shows NZ as having the highest rates of
juvenile crime and youth suicide in the developed world, rather than attempting to justify it,” said Party Leader Graham
Capill.
Mr Tamihere was reported as saying, “NZ is making huge strides and the report should not be used to beat up on the
country’s youth.”
But Mr Capill has responded by saying, “Decision makers should not be so defensive. The fact is that NZ could do a lot
better for its youth. Successive governments have failed to address the growing number of dysfunctional families, which
studies overseas show to be a root cause of crime and suicide in young people.
“Political correctness has directed public policy so that it is no longer possible to build a decent foundation for
young people. It is no longer acceptable to address key principles of life, such as: abstinence outside of marriage,
heterosexual marriages only, relationships for life, the need for honesty, love, hard-work, discipline and respect for
our seniors. Such concepts are seen to be old fashioned, yet they form a sound foundation on which young people build
and succeed.
“Its time to be less defensive and take meaningful initiatives to build strong families and a foundation that will give
positive direction to the country’s youth,” Mr Capill concluded.