Peters urges military training for youth

By JO-MARIE BROWN

New Zealand First's desire to introduce military training or community service for the young unemployed and some first-time offenders received thunderous applause from elderly Tauranga voters yesterday.

Winston Peters modified his party's 1999 election proposal, which favoured compulsory military training for all 18-year-olds, during New Zealand First's campaign opening address.

Promising to fix "three things in three years", including taking a tougher stand on law and order, Mr Peters said military training or community service for unemployed and some first-time offenders would foster discipline and self-esteem, and stop youngsters drifting into crime.

"New Zealand First cannot allow its young people to grow up without jobs, self-discipline or direction - that is a recipe for disaster."

The party's defence spokesman, Ron Mark, said who would have to do the training was open for debate, but young unemployed and some first-time offenders were the target.

"Ordinary New Zealanders have been emphatic - they want it," he said.

Those opposed to joining the forces could opt for community service with organisations such as St John.

The idea was warmly received by New Zealand First supporters yesterday.

Dorothy Horan, of Auckland, said too many parents neglected discipline. "That's why it's dangerous to walk the streets, because you don't have discipline or respect in the home. [Parents'] excuse is that they have to go to work and make the money," she said.

A spokesman for Defence Minister Mark Burton said the Limited Service Volunteer Scheme run through Burnham Military Camp since 1982 to equip unemployed people with skills and boost self-esteem had been extremely successful. About 600 people completed the six-week scheme each year.

The Government was looking at expanding the programme, but Labour did not favour widespread military or community service.

National's defence spokesman, Richard Worth, favours compulsory military training, but said the party would prefer to expand the LSV scheme.

Returned Serviceman Association spokesman Bill Hopper said members supported the principle of instilling self-esteem and discipline in young people, "but not using the military as the equivalent of a borstal".

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