ISSUE
Friday, August 15, 2025
Volume 16 . Issue 72
The idea to close publicly run prison to populate privately-run prison is not supported by New Zealand First.
Mahesh Bindra, Corrections spokesperson mentioned that the idea to close the publicly run prison is a wrong move and will create further issues for the staff and the prisoners.
“There is no evidence to suggest that we even need a new facility – we have enough beds across all of New Zealand’s corrections facilities for the current prison population even when allowing for emergencies.” added Mahesh Bindra.
It has also come in the news that Serco is known for its suspicious financial transactions in New Zealand and they are not really reliable in providing food and safety to the prisoners and the staffs at the prisons. It was also noted that Mt Eden prison has the highest record of assaults on staff by the inmates.
Corrections Minister Peseta Sam Lotu-liga too is not convinced with Serco and has mentioned that Serco does not follow the same staff to prisoner ratio used by the Department of Corrections, which are a proven tool in staff and prisoner safety.
“It is nonsense for the Minister to suggest ‘that the proposal reflects our commitment to providing safe and secure working conditions for staff and a safe and productive environment for prisoners’ when evidence suggests otherwise” says Mr Bindra, “The Chief Custodial Officer should be ensuring staff and prisoner safety not wasting money on an unnecessary review.”
The idea to close publicly run prison to populate privately-run prison is not supported by New Zealand First.
Mahesh Bindra, Corrections spokesperson mentioned that the idea to close the publicly run prison is a wrong move and will create further issues for the staff and the prisoners.
“There...
The idea to close publicly run prison to populate privately-run prison is not supported by New Zealand First.
Mahesh Bindra, Corrections spokesperson mentioned that the idea to close the publicly run prison is a wrong move and will create further issues for the staff and the prisoners.
“There is no evidence to suggest that we even need a new facility – we have enough beds across all of New Zealand’s corrections facilities for the current prison population even when allowing for emergencies.” added Mahesh Bindra.
It has also come in the news that Serco is known for its suspicious financial transactions in New Zealand and they are not really reliable in providing food and safety to the prisoners and the staffs at the prisons. It was also noted that Mt Eden prison has the highest record of assaults on staff by the inmates.
Corrections Minister Peseta Sam Lotu-liga too is not convinced with Serco and has mentioned that Serco does not follow the same staff to prisoner ratio used by the Department of Corrections, which are a proven tool in staff and prisoner safety.
“It is nonsense for the Minister to suggest ‘that the proposal reflects our commitment to providing safe and secure working conditions for staff and a safe and productive environment for prisoners’ when evidence suggests otherwise” says Mr Bindra, “The Chief Custodial Officer should be ensuring staff and prisoner safety not wasting money on an unnecessary review.”
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