Students began in mid January 2017 to work on this years National Youth Custody Index. The project is lead by Year 13 student Te Aotahi Rice-Edwards and includes both year 12 and 11 students all who are choosing to work in their own time on what is now a legacy project initiated and progressed by St Thomas of Canterbury College over the past five years.
Initial work has focused on the revised architecture of this years Index and crafting of questions to government agencies. This year the Office of the Ombudsman is also providing some front loaded support and guidance.
This year the launch will be at Nga Hau E Wha National Marae, Pages Road, on 28 June 2017 - commencing at 10.00am. The Index is also partnered and supported by Community Law Canterbury. This year the three key government watch dog agency heads will be in attendance. This distinguished groups includes Judge Peter Boshier - Chief Parliamentary Ombudsman, Judge Andrew Becroft, Children's Commissioner and formerly Principal Youth Court Judge, David Rutherford - Chief Human Rights Commissioner.
This work is important - to those in custody and those in the community for the sharing of information to allow informed debate to occur.