Healing won’t happen in a bootcamp

Bootcamp kit

28 Jul 2024

Teuila Fuatai

The government’s military-style bootcamp programme for young offenders begins tomorrow, with a pilot group of 10 teenagers.

It’s reported that Māori make up nine of the 10 teens, who are aged between 15 and 17. The young people are being sent to Oranga Tamariki’s Palmerston North youth justice facility for three months. The government says their residency will be followed by community support. 

Bootcamps for young offenders are not new in New Zealand. The first version of a three-month “short, sharp, shock” programme for young offenders took place in 1961. Since then, different governments have administered various forms of military-style bootcamps for youth, in the belief tough intervention will lead to reform. Extensive research on those efforts has shown no improvement in reoffending rates. 

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Key issues

HEALTH SERVICES AND SYSTEMS

Covering developments in the provision, funding and organisation of health care services.

EQUITY

Exploring the impacts of the health system on minorities within the population, notably including Māori, Pacifica, Asians and LGBTQI.

DRUGS, DEVICE AND DIAGNOSTICS

Covering prescription medicines and medical devices.

PUBLIC HEALTH

Focusing on efforts to promote health and prevent disease through social and economic interventions.

DIGITAL HEALTH

Exploring the potential digital transformation to provide a more connected and accessible health system.

TE TIRITI

Monitoring how the health reforms and the performance of the health sector uphold Te Tiriti obligations.