Time to turn life around

Bailey Junior Kurariki. File Photo / NZ Herald

The youngest child to be charged with murder in New Zealand can still turn his life around, according to police and lawyers.

The boy, aged 12 years and 252 days when he killed Triston Papuni, is at the "crossroads", says Detective Sergeant Theo Akroyd.

"He will do his time but then he will be young enough to make a good choice from here on in. In my opinion, he's got a second chance."

Crown prosecutor Russell Collins said the permanent name suppression imposed by the court was crucial to his chances at rehabilitation.

Unlike Bailey Junior Kurariki, who was also aged 12 when he took part in the killing of pizza-delivery man Michael Choy, the East Coast boy will escape the infamy of joining the ranks of New Zealand's youngest killers.

His father, imprisoned this week for two years for perverting the course of justice, had previously served prison time.

Psychiatric reports described the boy as "emotionally immature and unsophisticated".

Imposing the 20-month sentence, Justice Millar told the Gisborne High Court: "You have a temper but you remain enigmatic ... about addressing your behaviour."