Government rules out ‘mega-prison’
Corrections Minister Kelvin Davis has confirmed the Government will not build a ‘‘megaprison’’ in Waikeria, but the decision on what to do instead is still pending.
The previous National Government planned to spend about $1 billion on expanding Waikeria Prison, south of Hamilton, to potentially house up to 3000 inmates, making it the largest prison in the country. It currently houses 650 prisoners.
The new Government had been putting off the decision on whether to go ahead with that plan or not, as many Labour MPs have a strong desire to reduce prison numbers. There has been a strong indication that the plan would be changed significantly for several months.
But Ma¯ ori Development Minister Nanaia Mahuta told TVNZ’s
Marae yesterday the Government was ‘‘not going to be throwing $1b at Waikeria Prison’’. Asked for comment, Davis said the wider decision was still pending but confirmed the ‘‘mega-prison’’ plans would not go ahead. However, he left the option open to expand the prison more moderately. ‘‘We are looking at all the options to deal with the rising prison population and our current capacity crisis,’’ Davis said.
‘‘I can confirm we will not be building a mega-prison with 2500 beds. But that decision alone does not deal with the challenges I’ve mentioned. And we will take action but it will be considered and not reactive.’’
Davis said he would be taking his time to make the right decision, looking at ‘‘all the options across the board’’.
In the Budget last Thursday, the Government announced 600 new prison beds to be built in modular units.
Finance Minister Grant Robertson said on Twitter it had been clear the Government was not favouring the mega-prison for some time but Cabinet had not made a final decision.
As recently as Friday, the union representing prison workers was calling on the Government to make a decision soon.
‘‘All prison staff, including community Corrections staff working in prisons, are under constant pressure, because prisons are so overcrowded they can’t do the rehabilitation work inmates need,’’ Public Services Association organiser Willie Cochrane said.
‘‘Six hundred beds won’t be enough to ease the current crisis, as so many of the current prison areas aren’t fit to house inmates.’’