Justice officials criticised for boycotting meeting

Hamilton Mayor Michael Redman has slated the Justice Ministry for refusing to attend a public meeting on a controversial youth justice facility planned for the city.

Resource consents for the facility, planned for Collins Rd in the suburb of Melville, were approved last week.

Mr Redman had earlier said the city council would do all it could to oppose the facility, but legal advice suggested there was nothing it could do to oppose the consent, which complies with the district plan.

It has caused an uproar in Melville, and the council has organised a public meeting on Wednesday afternoon next week to share information about the facility. The Justice Ministry has refused to attend.

"The Justice Ministry is a key part of the information process, and the fact they have said they won't be coming is just not good enough," said Mr Redman. "The residents of the area deserve to hear directly from the Justice Ministry now the consent process has been advanced."

He said the meeting at Melville High School at 5.30pm would proceed with or without the ministry officials.

"More than ever, the council will see to it that [the department] stands by its assurances around the type of residents the unit will cater for."

The eight-bedroom facility will cater for repeat offenders aged 14 to 17.

Project manager Robyn George said she had spoken with Mr Redman, and the ministry was planning an open day within the next month where residents could meet officials.