Youth offenders who escaped onto the roof of a justice facility near Christchurch demanded McDonald’s and vapes during the stand off in the weekend – and their demands were granted Oranga Tamariki has confirmed.

It took more than 24 hours before all five youths came down Te Puna Wai o Tuhinapo facility in Rolleston on Sunday morning.

A staff member suffered a fractured wrist during the incident and was taken to hospital.

A worker at the facility, who asked not to be named, contacted Chris Lynch Media and said “unfortunately, decisions at the management and higher levels have disempowered residential youth workers, hindering their ability to do their roles effectively.

“Shockingly, the method used to resolve the standoff was to cave to the youth offenders’ demands and provide them with vapes, cigarettes, and McDonald’s.

“Allowing young people to use such items while in secure care is not only absurd but also compromises their well-being and safety. Regrettably, this has led to an increase in threats of assault and even acts of violence, along with threats of riots if their demands are not met.

The worker said “the lack of responsiveness from management and higher authorities, along with decisions that disregard our safety, policies, and procedures, has created an environment that is untenable for both staff and young people.”

The worker said it’s not the first time youth offenders have demanded McDonalds, vapes and cigarettes.

As first reported by Chris Lynch Media, on at least two other occasions this year, youths escaped onto the roof of the facility.

Oranga Tamariki Residences and Community Deputy Chief Executive Mike Bush said “fast food was part of the negotiations and additional items were also used to attempt to bring the young people down throughout the day and overnight, such as clothing and hot drinks.

“This was a serious and dangerous incident and the safety of the young people on the roof was always our priority.  

“We were very concerned about them slipping and falling and we had to take that into consideration when working to get them down.  

“In such situations, Oranga Tamariki works alongside police to engage in reasonable negotiations, particularly where the situation can be resolved by minimizing harm and risk to any person involved.”

Bush said “these are vulnerable young people, and our first approach will always be to use the least harmful ways to convince them to come down safely on their own terms.”

He said “the cost of damage to the facility is yet to be determined, however I can confirm that the residence is still safe to operate.  

“Although breaking into the roof cavity is not ideal, the situation remained contained and at no point did any of the young people exit the grounds of the facility.   

“As I’ve outlined previously, I am beginning my rapid review of the residences with urgency.   

“We will share the findings of our review as soon as it is complete.”   

“I am committed to ensuring Oranga Tamariki residences are safe places for tamariki and rangatahi”Bush said.