A youth charity leader says there needs to be wrap-around support for young offenders after they attend military academies.  

The Government's announced Oranga Tamariki will lead the programme, with a pilot starting mid this year.  

The academies will have a military-style component, as well as rehabilitative and trauma-informed care. 

Blue Light Chief Operating Officer Brendon Crompton told Mike Hosking that there's persistent youth offenders who need more intensive support.  

He says they need time away from either negative parenting involvement, who may be involved in crime or gangs themselves, or more commonly, parental non-involvement. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

• "Worth a crack": New bootcamp plan sees support from Police Association President