Four staff stood down, police investigate after fight at youth justice facility

Police are investigating after a video has surfaced of residents fighting at Korowai Manaaki Youth Justice Residence in Wiri, Auckland.

Four Oranga Tamariki staff have been removed.

The video was made public after at least six rangatahi scaled the same facility at lunchtime on Saturday – with five staying on the roof for more than 24 hours.

In a statement on Wednesday morning, a police spokesperson said no charges have been laid so far.

READ MORE:
* Stand-off by armed teens on roof of Auckland youth justice facility ends with KFC
* Top police negotiators called in to stand-off with armed teens on rooftop
* Auckland youth justice facility in lockdown, armed teens still on roof at 9pm

“Police can confirm we are investigating a report of concern at the facility. This incident occurred in mid-June 2023.”

Oranga Tamariki deputy chief executive Tusha Penny said they were aware of the video, and have stood down four staff alleged to have been involved.

“The four staff alleged to be involved were removed from the residence. They have had no contact with children and young people in our care since,” she said.

“We have checked on the wellbeing of the young people involved and offered them further support.

“As we have outlined previously, we have brought in [Former Commissioner of New Zealand Police] Mike Bush to take on the leadership of all residences and conduct a rapid review.”

Speaking to Morning Report, National leader Christopher Luxon said there were “management” and “leadership” problems regarding Oranga Tamariki.

“We have a major problem in these facilities where you’ve got staff members standing around watching an MMA-style fight. It’s sickening violence,” he said

Luxon said two-week training for Oranga Tamariki staff “doesn’t feel good enough”.

“The bigger point is, who’s accountable? Who’s running the show? Who’s setting the culture in the staff membership?”

Speaking to Breakfast on Wednesday morning, Minister for Children Kelvin Davis said he was aware of another incident “of a similar nature” had seen a further four Oranga Tamariki staff stood down.

“If there are others that come to light, they will be dealt with in a similar way,” he said.

“We suspected there were issues in our youth justice residences which is why we instigated the review that Mike Bush is leading. His mandate is to flush out all the problems and fix them.”

Davis told Stuff he expected Oranga Tamariki to help move young people back “on the right path”.

“The video is deeply concerning, and that behaviour is totally unacceptable,” he said.

“The fact is Oranga Tamariki Youth Justice residences have deep-set issues that require addressing. The wide-ranging review of residences is aimed at flushing out any inappropriate behaviour, including any incidents like this.

“The young people who are in these facilities are some of the most vulnerable – that’s why it’s my expectation that Oranga Tamariki help them to get back on the right path.”