19 May 2025
C196340
Dan Tasman
[FYI request #30769 email]
Tēnā koe Dan
Thank you for your Official Information Act 1982 (OIA) request of 18 April 2025 to the
Department of Corrections – Ara Poutama Aotearoa, requesting the following information:
I am requesting copies of any internal reports, briefings, or strategy documents
produced since 1 January 2022 that discuss methamphetamine use, dependency, or
related harm among people in custody or on community sentences in the Northland
region. In addition, I would like a breakdown of the number of individuals identified
as having methamphetamine-related substance use issues while under Corrections’
care (including both custodial and community-based settings), reported by year from
2022 to the present.
Please also provide information on any rehabilitation or addiction support services
delivered in Northland prisons or to individuals on community sentences during this
time period, with particular relevance to methamphetamine or stimulant use. For
each programme or initiative, I would appreciate details including its name, delivery
partner (if any), the level of funding provided annually, and any outcome reporting or
evaluation data held.
Further, I am seeking copies of any correspondence between the Department of
Corrections and other agencies - specifically Health New Zealand, NZ Police, Far
North District Council, or any local iwi authorities - relating to methamphetamine-
related harm, addiction services, or community reintegration in Northland, dated
from 1 January 2022 onward.
Lastly, I would appreciate copies of any current operational policies or guidance
provided to staff about managing methamphetamine-related behaviours or
withdrawal symptoms in custodial settings.
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 18 June 2025. If you no longer require this information, please let us know
as soon as possible.
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
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, Wel ington 6143.
Ngā mihi
Jeremy Lythgoe
Manager Ministerial Services
People and Capability
