Lament as loss sinks in

PETER DRURY/Waikato Times

SHATTERED: Te Hurihanga project manager David McCarthy is devastated by the Government’s intention to close the Hamilton-based programme for young offenders.

Relevant offers

A mournful song rang out from Hamilton's Te Hurihanga facility yesterday as a group of former youth offenders were told their lifeline was being cut.

Devastated staff vowed to protect and support the 10 young people currently engaged in the 9-18 month programme.

Currently 25 full and part-time staff and casual workers are involved in the pilot residential and community-based programme for young male offenders, which the Government plans to shut down at the end of June in a bid to cut costs.

Programme manager David McCarthy was clearly distressed yesterday as he informed the young men and their families about the programme's pending closure.

When the Waikato Times visited the facility it was easy to see how powerful the programme had been for the young men as they displayed their sorrow through song.

"This is a very sensitive time; we are all very distressed, anxious and bitterly disappointed," Mr McCarthy said.

He said the Hamilton region was in need of a programme such as Te Hurihanga which helped offenders "make a life for themselves".

Youth Horizons Trust runs the scheme which has resulted in eight young men successfully graduating since April 2007. Trust chief executive Cath Handley said a further 10 previous youth offenders were still in the programme.

"I can't stress enough how totally focused the staff are on supporting those young men and they will work with the appropriate organisations to ensure their needs are maintained," she said.

Social Development Minister Paula Bennett said the Te Hurihanga programme would be replaced with a similar, more cost-effective scheme that would allow more young people to participate.

Mr McCarthy said it was imperative staff meet with Child, Youth and Family to find out what the options for the young men and staff were. "We have a quality group of staff on this site and I see a role for them to continue the great work."

- © Fairfax NZ News