The Government's military-style bootcamp pilot is nearing an end and Oranga Tamariki executives are defending not releasing the level of re-offending. Video / Mark MitchellOranga Tamariki is about to begin another bootcamp pilot, also known as a military-style academy, with legislation intended to establish ongoing bootcamps yet to reach Parliament. The Government, informed by National and Act Party 2023 election policy, initiated a 12-month bootcamp in 2024 with the intention to rehabilitate recidivist young offenders. Six of the 10 participants reoffended while in the programme. It had been expected new legislation, which created a young serious offender category empowering judges to recommend a bootcamp programme for an offending youth, would be passed to enable a permanent bootcamp programme instead of a second pilot.

Source: New Zealand Herald March 03, 2026 12:23 UTC