Karen Chhour Refutes Claims About Korowai Manaaki Incident

Chhour went on to explain that the only restrictions on outdoor time applied to youths who were not involved in the incident.

Chhour Clarifies Misconceptions Raised by MP Chloe Swarbrick, Emphasizes Safety Measures and Accountability

Minister for Children, Karen Chhour, has addressed claims made in Parliament by MP Chloe Swarbrick regarding an incident at the Korowai Manaaki youth justice facility earlier this week. Responding to the concerns, Chhour clarified several key points to set the record straight.

"The claims that young people at Korowai Manaaki were denied access to food are simply false," Minister Chhour asserted. She also dismissed allegations that the youths had been deprived of fresh air. "Those claims are not true either," she said.

Chhour went on to explain that the only restrictions on outdoor time applied to youths who were not involved in the incident. "Staff had to keep them inside temporarily to ensure the area was safe while they dealt with the damage caused by the youths on the roof," she said, emphasizing that safety was the priority during the situation.

Minister Chhour also addressed the nature of the incident itself, stating that "the young people on the roof did not make any requests or demands to Oranga Tamariki staff." She reiterated that their actions were being taken seriously and that there would be consequences for those involved.

"We recognize the importance of addressing these issues properly," Chhour concluded. "That's why the necessary steps will be taken to ensure accountability for their actions, as well as to maintain safety within the facility."

The Minister's statement comes in response to concerns raised during parliamentary discussions and aims to provide a clear and accurate account of the situation at Korowai Manaaki, highlighting the balance between ensuring safety and enforcing responsibility.