"We are committed to ensuring we are meeting accepted international standards of safety, human dignity, rehabilitation and reintegration needs within prisons," says Neil Beales, Corrections' chief custodial officer.
"Auckland Prison houses some of New Zealand's most disturbed and dangerous prisoners and while it was noted that violence was not widespread, the new, purpose-built facility will make it safer for prisoners and staff alike by updating facilities, and will enable the current maximum security facility to be retired."
The $15m refurbishment at Manawatu will include a single point of entry to the prison, a main block refurbishment and a new AV suite for court appearances.
The national prison muster is sitting at approximately 10,700 and the new chief inspector, Janis Adair, has identified that some issues facing Auckland and Manawatu Prisons, including a growing inmate population, are outside of its control.
- NZN