Face of the Day

Labour’s Willow-Jean Prime’s public claims about fight clubs and “significant” meth use in youth justice facilities couldn’t be substantiated by Oranga Tamariki officials.

The Children’s Commission, which independently monitors the facilities, is also unaware of meth in the residences and hasn’t heard of fight clubs occurring since 2023.

Children’s Minister Karen Chhour has asked for more information, but Prime has been unable to provide anything, other than saying her concerns were based on information from a credible source.

Prime is standing by her approach of raising the claims publicly as she believes it is her role to highlight potential issues and give voice to those who don’t feel comfortable using official channels. She says she’s also spoken and written to the Children’s Commissioner about the matter.

“As the spokesperson for children, I feel strongly that it is my duty to speak up on behalf of their welfare and to hold the minister accountable,” she told the Herald.

NZ Herald