Archives NZ holds the records, with Oranga Tamariki as the controlling agent
This page contains information from documents written many years ago reflecting language and terms that are not acceptable today. For example, some of the original names of institutions are offensive and derogatory.
We have some suggestions on what help and support is available if you want someone to talk to, or support during your journey.
Gender: 1874-1900 Mixed 1900-1918 Boys only Unsure of age group - under 21 Controlling organisation: Government, Department of Social Welfare; State control This institution was opened by the Government in 1874 in order to provide both for the welfare of destitute and neglected children, and also for the reformation of criminal children. Those destitute were often boarded out to foster parents, in order that they be provided with a home environment, whilst others were taken into service. In 1901, the institution became purely a reformatory for boys, and many non-delinquent children who had been housed there were sent on to Caversham Industrial School, Dunedin, with 'delinquent' girls transferred to Te Oranga School at Burwood, a suburb of Christchurch. From Heritage NZ: Policies about the treatment of young offenders changed in the 1910s. John Beck, the head of the Special School Section of the Department of Education, believed that children should be provided with as near to a normal home life as possible, and preferred to either foster children or find them service positions. As a consequence, Burnham was emptied of its residents and closed in 1918. Since that time the former school buildings and grounds have been used by the New Zealand Army as a base for the annual Territorial camps and for various short courses. In 1920, after much debate, the Burnham buildings and grounds were transferred from the Department of Education to the Department of Defence. The formal transfer ceremony took place at Burnham on 31 May 1921 and the land was officially made a military and defence reserve in 1923. It is now known as the Burnham Military Camp. Controlling organisation: Government, Child Welfare Division, Education Department, Department of Social Welfare; State control
You must enable JavaScript to submit this form