Government boot camps potential impact on Māori youth w the University of Auckland's Kendra Cox: 5th August, 2024

Last week the government finally launched their Youth Offender Military Academies, more commonly known as ‘boot camps’. 

Since their announcement, the idea of the camps has caused a lot of concern surrounding their effectiveness and treatment of youth. 

The first camp has taken in 10 youth, nine of which are Māori. 

In Aotearoa’s history as well as globally, there is repeated evidence that a tough approach to boot camps hasn’t been effective in lowering youth crime, or rehabilitating the youth involved. 

On top of this, the release of the royal commission of inquiry into abuse in state care last week has amplified concerns that these boot camps may contribute to a cycle of abuse, particularly for Māori youth. 

Producer Evie spoke to lecturer in counselling, human services and social work at the University of Auckland Kendra Cox about what these boot camps may look like, and the potential impact they’ll have on Māori youth.