17363 (2026). Tamatha Paul to the Minister of Corrections

17363 (2026). Tamatha Paul to the Minister of Corrections: What upgrades, if any, have been completed on upgrades to the Nikau Unit at Waikeria Prison to ensure it is fit-for-purpose for housing female prisoners?

Hon Mark Mitchell: I am advised that Corrections does not operate female units within male corrections facilities as all female facilities are required to be designated and gazetted under Section 32 of Corrections Act 2004. On 16 December 2025, I gazetted the renamed Rangiora Unit (previously the Nikau Unit) and the renamed Ngaio Unit (previously Miro Unit) on the grounds of Waikeria Prison to be part of the Auckland Region Women’s Corrections Facility (ARWCF). I am further advised these units are physically separate from the main Waikeria Prison with their own locking systems, perimeter fencing and facilities to accommodate female prisoners. Therefore, no analysis has been undertaken regarding the associated risk of housing female prisoners in male corrections facilities. The existing infrastructure for these two units was largely fit-for-purpose for female prisoners (due to female prisoners being held here prior to the opening of ARWCF), and only minimal changes were required. These changes included: • extending the length of the shower doors • replacing some fixtures and fittings such as mattresses and bedding • replacing the macerator at the pump house • deep cleaning the shower facilities • installing personal laundry machines • refurbishing six cells (including one dry cell). I am further advised that there is no current work underway to open additional female units outside of existing female sites, however I refer the member to Corrections’ Long Term Network Configuration Plan, which is publicly available at the following link: https://www.corrections.govt.nz/resources/strategic_reports/long_term_network_configuration_plan This is also my response to WPQ 17364 (2026), WPQ 17365 (2026), WPQ 17366 (2026).