4 Jul 2023

Oranga Tamariki staff stood down over martial arts style fight between teenagers

9:00 pm on 4 July 2023
Young people on the roof at Korowai Manaaki Youth Justice Residence in Wiri, Auckland, 2 July 2023.

The incident occurred at the same South Auckland facility where eight teenagers climbed on to the roof at the weekend. Photo: RNZ/ Bailey Brannon

Oranga Tamariki has stood down four staff at a youth justice centre over a martial arts style fight between two teenagers.

A video showed the young men fighting and being egged on by others at the same South Auckland facility where eight teenagers climbed on to the roof at the weekend.

The fight happened in mid-June and Oranga Tamariki said it took action as soon it became aware of the video, removing four staff who were accused of being involved.

The police were also investigating.

In statement, the deputy chief executive Tusha Penny said she was taking the matter extremely seriously.

All the residences were currently under review.

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