Youth justice residences

There are many reasons that determine why a rangatahi might go to a youth justice residence, and how long they might stay. They may have been:

• arrested and put in our care until they go to Youth Court
• remanded by the Youth Court and need to stay at a residence until the case is settled (this can take up to 3 weeks or longer if the charges are denied)
• sentenced by the Youth Court for 3 to 6 months – if things go well for them in the residence, they may be able to leave earlier and undertake 6 to 12 months supervision in the community 
• sentenced to prison – they could be admitted to a residence for some of this time.

The rangatahi has their own room and shares living spaces with others.

We provide their meals, clothing and education, as well as access to a gym and open areas for sports and outdoor activities.

The rangatahi gets to:

• have any social, health and school needs met
• learn life skills like managing their money
• learn practical skills like woodwork, art, music, and computer skills
• learn how to apply for a job
• manage problems like anger or drugs and alcohol.

We also work with the rangatahi, their whānau and social worker to make a plan for when they leave the residence. This could include further schooling, a training course or looking for work.

While not always possible, we try to make sure the rangatahi is kept close to their whānau.

There are 5 youth justice residences in New Zealand:

• Korowai Manaaki in South Tāmaki Makaurau can have up to 46 rangatahi.
• Whakatakapokai in South Tāmaki Makaurau can have up to 15 rangatahi.
• Te Maioha o Parekarangi in Rotorua can have up to 30 rangatahi.
• Te Au rere a te Tonga in Te Papaioea can have up to 40 rangatahi.
• Te Puna Wai o Tuhinapo in Ōtautahi can have up to 40 rangatahi.