A union is calling for an Oranga Tamariki (OT) manager to "front up or resign" following comments he made claiming only one staff member had been harmed this year at a youth justice residence by a young person.
OT's director of youth justice system development Ben Hannifin told Stuff he believed one staff member had been harmed by a young person at Te Puni Wai in Christchurch this year.
But National Union of Public Employees (NUPE) secretary Janice Gemmell believes Hannifin's comments are incorrect and show "total disconnection".
"NUPE's understanding is around 20 staff have been harmed at Te Puni Wai since January. NUPE believes approximately 10 could be considered more serious."
Gemmell told Newshub that when she saw Hannifin's comments made in the story she was "shocked".
"When he said one person harmed since January this year, it's just completely inaccurate so I felt like this demonstrates a total disconnect with the reality on the front line."
Gemmell has gone as far as to offer her resignation if Hannifin can prove his comments are correct.
"To be honest with you I am fed up with the fact that this employer doesn't address the real risk for the safety of the staff.
"This description of a youth justice residence the way it was put by Ben Hannifin is extraordinary," she added.
Gemmell said union members under Hannifin's management were in "disbelief".
"They can't believe that is the description of Te Puni Wai."
She added Hannifin has a heart for young tamariki but he needs to reconnect with his front line team.
"If he's not got his finger on the pulse then there needs to be someone in there who has."
Newshub has approached Hannifin for comment.
