17156 (2025). Dr Tracey McLellan to the Minister of Corrections

17156 (2025). Dr Tracey McLellan to the Minister of Corrections: How many women prisoners, if any, will be relocated to Waikeria Prison?

Hon Mark Mitchell: I am advised that prior to Auckland Region Women’s Corrections Facility opening in 2006, the Nikau Unit at Waikeria Prison was used to accommodate low security women prisoners. I am further advised that much of the infrastructure needed for a women’s unit is still in place and minimal facility changes are required. Additionally, I am advised that Nikau Unit is a standalone unit which allows for the complete and suitable separation between men and women prisoners. I am further advised that the standalone unit can facilitate visitors and other rehabilitative and reintegrative activity and could be advantageous for women with families in the area. I am further advised that Nikau Unit can accommodate up to 80 women prisoners but Corrections is currently considering moving approximately 20 women into the unit next month. Reasons that a woman prisoner may be transferred to the Nikau Unit include the prisoner getting released in the area, having family from there or have an upcoming court hearing in the area. I am further advised that Corrections is planning to gazette the use of Nikau Unit at Waikeria Prison on 7 May 2025. This is also my response to WPQ 17155 (2025).