Youths spend night on roof of Oranga Tamariki Auckland justice facility

A group of young people occupying the rooftop of their youth justice facility say they are protesting because they weren't let outside.

Shouting to media from the roof at Korowai Manaaki in Wiri, south Auckland, the group also claimed they hadn't been fed.

Police officers could be seen on the ground, walking the perimeter.

Oranga Tamariki Acting deputy chief executive youth justice services and residential care Iain Chapman said a group of 13 youths accessed the roof at around 6:40pm on Monday.

While nine had since been coaxed down overnight and Tuesday morning, four remained on the roof.

"We are continuing to work with police to resolve this matter," Chapman said. "We can confirm there are no concerns for public safety."

Despite initial reports suggesting the youths were demanding Big Mac combos from McDonald's, cigarettes and a getaway car, Chapman said the group "have made no requests or demands to our staff on site".

RNZ's reporter at Korowai Manaaki said five people could be seen on the roof, where a small piece of roofing appeared to have been pulled up and damaged.

Police said they were supporting Oranga Tamariki.

Speaking to Newstalk ZB, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said authorities will not cave to the youths' demands.

"They're not coming down for KFC," Luxon said.

"These are some of the most serious and hardcore young offenders."

It's not the first time young people have climbed on to the roof of Korowai Manaaki, a similar incident in July 2023 was blamed on staff shortages.

A damning report in July found staff at the facility were smuggling in contraband, roughing up children, and silencing any informants.

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