Auckland prison set for private management

Judith Collins said contract management was an opportunity to inject new ideas and new innovations into the corrections sector. File photo / Bay of Plenty Times

The joint Mt Eden-Auckland Central Remand Prison (ACRP) will be put under private management and the successful tenderer will be announced by the end of this year, Corrections Minister Judith Collins says.

The decision has been anticipated since the Government passed legislation for the private management of prisons late last year and Ms Collins said Cabinet selected the prison today.

"ACRP was under private management between 1999 and 2005 when the Labour government ended the contract on ideological grounds," Ms Collins said.

"In order to have a world class corrections system, we need exposure to world class innovation and expertise."

Ms Collins said contract management was an opportunity to inject new ideas and new innovations into the corrections sector to enhance public safety, improve rehabilitation and lower costs.

"The size and location of Mt Eden-ACRP, as well as the new facilities being built, combine to make this prison an excellent choice for contract management."

The Government last month announced its intention to commission a new prison at Wiri to be designed, built and operated under a public-private partnership.

- NZPA