10 July 2024
C182810
#cats
[FYI request #27087 email]
Tēnā koe
Thank you for your Official Information Act 1982 (OIA) request of 31 May 2024 to the
Department of Corrections – Ara Poutama Aotearoa, requesting the following information:
Historical data comparing the performance, conditions, and outcomes of public
versus private prisons in New Zealand over the past ten years.
Any internal reviews or audits of private prisons, including the Wiri and Mt Eden
facilities.
Data on the funding and resource allocation differences between public and private
prisons.
Comparative data on recidivism rates between inmates released from public and
private prisons.
Reports or evaluations on the quality of rehabilitation programs offered in public
versus private prisons.
Information on staff training, qualifications, and turnover rates in public versus
private prisons.
Case studies or examples of best practices and challenges faced in both public and
private prison settings.
On 7 July 2024, we contacted you for clarification on the following question: “
Information
on staff training, qualifications, and turnover rates in public versus private prisons”. On 11
June 2024 you clarified your request as follows:
The mandatory training modules or courses that staff must complete before
commencing their roles.
Any additional or ongoing training and professional development opportunities
provided to staff.
NATIONAL OFFICE, WELLINGTON
Mayfair House, 44 – 52 The Terrace, Wellington, 6011, Private Box 1206, Wellington 6140,
Phone +64 4 460 3000
www.corrections.govt.nz
2
The qualifications or certifications required for employment as a Corrections Officer
in both settings.
Any differences in these requirements between public and private prisons.
Staff Turnover Rates:
I would like to request data on staff turnover rates in public versus private prisons for
the past ten years.
In accordance with section 15(1AA) of the OIA, your clarified request of 11 June 2024 is
being treated as a new request that replaces the original request.
Corrections needs to extend the timeframe of our response to your request by 20 working
days, pursuant to section 15A(1)(b) of the OIA, as consultations necessary to make a
decision on the request are such that a proper response to the request cannot reasonably
be made within the original time limit. Therefore, you can expect to receive a response to
your request by 7 August 2024. If you no longer require this information, please let us know
as soon as possible.
I hope this information is helpful. Please be advised that should you have any concerns
regarding this response you have the right to ask the Ombudsman to investigate our
decision to extend the timeframe. Contact details are: Office of the Ombudsman, PO Box
10152, Wellington 6143.
Ngā mihi
Brydie Raethel
Manager Ministerial Services
People and Capability