80771 (2024). Hon Willow-Jean Prime to the Minister for Children

80771 (2024). Hon Willow-Jean Prime to the Minister for Children: How many, if any, of the participants on the pilot military-style academy have seen a psychologist since they have been back in the community?

Hon Karen Chhour: I acknowledge the interest in the Military-Style Academy Pilot. I am also aware of the impact of the intense public scrutiny on these young people and their families and whānau. In considering the privacy and wellbeing of this small cohort of young people, I do not believe it is in the public interest to provide the information requested, especially when it relates to the personal health information of easily identifiable individuals. In order to balance the public interest in this matter with the need to protect the privacy and wellbeing of the young people, Oranga Tamariki will provide public updates at appropriate milestones in the programme. Outside of this, updates will only be provided if the circumstances are exceptional, or if there is a matter of public safety that outweighs the privacy and wellbeing considerations mentioned above.