Boy who beheaded goldfish, ransacked family house terrifies new Christchurch neighbours

Footage of the boys recorded in Parklands in 2023

One of the two young brothers who ransacked a Parklands house have moved to another Christchurch neighbourhood terrifying some neighbours.

As first reported by Chris Lynch Media, a year ago, the siblings, who are seven and nine years, entered a family home in Parklands while the occupants were out, causing significant damage.

There have been more than twenty police interventions.

A person familiar with the situation, who asked to remain anonymous, told Chris Lynch Media on Thursday, the boy’s actions have persisted in his new surroundings.

A Woolston resident was so concerned about the boy’s welfare they contacted Oranga Tamaki in December.

The correspondence has been seen by Chris Lynch Media.

One of the boys was observed trespassing on private property and abusing neighbours.

A resident said “the boy was extremely nasty to my neighbour. Concerned for their own safety, they’ve reinstalled fences along their property costing hundreds of dollars.

“We have both installed security cameras for fear of him being on either property and for protection of our pets.

He roams the streets barefoot, well into the night, even on school nights."

The feeling of unease has spread throughout parts of the community, with residents feeling abandoned by the authorities.

"So many of us in Woolston feel helpless. I know a few people who live alone who are fearful in their homes.

His lack of empathy and disregard for consequences is horrifying”

Residents has questioned the effectiveness of child welfare services' interventions.

"I don't feel anyone is doing anything about this at all. No one is making any changes to protect the community or even supervise him.

Does no one care? Have you all just given up on him?" the Waltham resident said.

Oranga Tamariki responded to the residents’ email saying said “your information has been recorded and passed on to a Social Work Supervisor.”

Another person familiar with the situation said the “system has let the boy down.”

“He’s running away causing havoc in the community. He has support workers and Oranga Tamaki has been trying to find foster families, but no one seems to want him.

“He was seen picking up ducklings, and taking them back to his house. I hate to think what he might have tried to do with them.”

The person said Oranga Tamaki has an obligation to these children.

“They sit in their office, going through complaints and after a team meeting, they ponder over the path of least resistance, seeking the easiest possible solution.

“The house one of the boys is living in now is just so inappropriate. The carer who’s looking after him is only in it for the money” they said.

An Oranga Tamaki spokeswoman said they can’t comment on a case specific details, especially without a privacy waiver.

“If a member of the public has concerns for the welfare of a child, they can put in a ‘Report of Concern’ located on the Oranga Tamaki website.