Crime

Youth offending rates fall more than 60pct in a decade

07:23 am on 1 February 2022

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The number of young offenders has fallen more than 60 percent over a decade.

That means nearly 12,000 fewer 10 to 16 year olds committing crimes compared to 10 years ago, according to the latest Youth Justice Indicators Summary report.

A disproportionate number of rangatahi Māori are still appearing before the Youth Court , and serious offences haven't dropped as quickly as other crimes.

Principal Youth Court Judge John Walker spoke to Corin Dann.