Simon Court ACT MP and Undersecretary to the Minister for RMA Reform and Infrastructure.
As an ACT MP based in West Auckland, I have heard countless stories from residents about the impacts of youth crime from property damage to more serious offences. Victims have felt betrayed not just by the offenders, but also by a justice system that has offered little in the way of real consequences for young criminals.
Children’s Minister and ACT MP Karen Chhour recently announced a significant step forward in tackling youth crime with the introduction of the Young Serious Offender (YSO) declaration. This Coalition Government initiative is a crucial component of our broader strategy to reduce serious repeat youth offending by 15 percent, underscoring our commitment to making New Zealand a safer place for all.
It’s clear that a small number of young people are responsible for a significant proportion of youth crime so by focusing on these individuals, we can make a meaningful difference in reducing overall crime rates.
The Youth Court and Police will have enhanced tools to hold these young offenders accountable including options to send them to a new Military-Style Academy, increasing the use of electronic and judicial monitoring, and granting Police the power to arrest young offenders without a warrant for non-compliance with court orders or bail conditions. These measures are not just about punishment; they are about making powerful interventions that can genuinely improve these young people’s lives and reduce the number of future victims.
The pilot Military-Style Academy programme, based at the youth justice facility in Palmerston North, is already in progress. Developed in collaboration with the New Zealand Defence Force, the Ministry of Justice, New Zealand Police, local mana whenua, and other community groups, this initiative aims to provide a structured, supportive environment for young offenders. The programme includes a three-month residential stage followed by a nine-month community phase, focusing heavily on the transition back into society. The curriculum is designed to support the participants’ health, learning, and well-being, incorporating daily activities that build discipline and resilience.
One of the most critical aspects of this programme is its emphasis on setting up teenagers for the future. By ensuring these young people have clear pathways into education, training, or employment, we can break the cycle of reoffending and help them build productive, crime-free lives.
For a young person to be declared a Young Serious Offender, they must meet specific criteria: they need to be between 14 and 17 years old at the time of the offence, have had two offences punishable by imprisonment of 10 years or more proven in court, and be assessed as likely to reoffend, with previous interventions having proven unsuccessful. This approach balances accountability with support, recognising that while these young offenders must face consequences for their actions, they also need substantial help to change their paths.
The YSO declaration aims to restore the balance, ensuring that victims see that serious offenders are held accountable while also addressing the root causes of their behaviour to prevent further crimes.
I am confident that we will see a positive impact in our communities. It’s a comprehensive approach that addresses immediate safety concerns and lays the groundwork for a safer, more secure future for all New Zealanders.
