“I see in the news when told about many concerns re boot camps you said, ‘I don’t care what you say about whether it does or doesn’t work,'” Clearwater wrote.
“I care prime minister because for the last 30 years I have worked with the results of failed government policies like this one, I have sat in prison cells, doss houses, mental health institutions, on the streets, with men who as boys were raped and tortured while in the ‘care’ of state and faith-based organisations.
“Where many have been and are still institutionalised and still in the ‘care’ of the state, either in prison, mental health facilities, sickness benefits, unemployment benefits and in many cases unable to live with the shame and guilt have taken their own lives. I carry that every day, I care.
“My question to you prime minister is why would you and the coalition government not wait until the royal commission report comes out before you make these decisions, decisions like past governments have made and failed. The royal commission will be the best ‘blueprint’ for the future of our youth and this nation. We owe it to the people of Aotearoa and our children who as we know are our future.
“If you truly want to make a difference and not just make a political statement, do a stocktake of all services in this country doing good work with our young people and give them the proper funding to deliver those services. This will show our young people we care about them and save the country billions of dollars.
“There is no doubt these young people have to be held accountable and I agree with you we have to try something, unfortunately boot camps are not the answer.”
RNZ asked the prime minister’s office if it had any response to Clearwater’s letter and concerns. It referred all comment to Chhour.
Chhour’s office said the minister was away on holiday this week, but was aware of Clearwater’s concerns and staff had contacted him.
RNZ