The National Party says more meaningful consequences are needed to prevent young people from serious offending.
Yesterday a 14-year-old was arrested on 81 charges, following a string of serious incidents in Christchurch over recent weeks.
National says the Government is taking a soft approach towards young offenders, but the outgoing principal youth court judge, John Walker, says the law demands a focus on rehabilitating, empowering and upskilling young people and their families.
Matt Doocey is the National party's youth and mental health spokesperson.
He spoke to Michael Cropp.
