19239 (2025). Tamatha Paul to the Minister of Corrections

19239 (2025). Tamatha Paul to the Minister of Corrections: Have any prisoners been directly involved in the construction or preparation of the Waikeria Prison expansion; if so, were they adequately compensated and protected, and how?

Hon Mark Mitchell: I am advised that prisoners are provided with educational opportunities ranging from intensive literacy and numeracy support to tertiary level qualifications. Corrections delivers a range of qualifications in prisons, covering primary industries, creative industries, construction and infrastructure, manufacturing and technology and tikanga Māori. Corrections also offers short courses, including driver licences, first aid, health and safety, scaffolding, and forklift operation. I am further advised that the Release to Work programme allows minimum security prisoners, who are assessed as suitable, to engage in paid employment in the community. Prisoners participating have previously taken part in prison-based activities and education to ensure they are well-prepared for community-based employment and that the public are safe. I am further advised that prisoners have engaged in Release to Work on the Waikeria Prison Development project and were paid at a market rate determined by their employer. Their wages are used to pay board to Corrections, any fines or reparation to victims and to save for their release. Prisoners have not engaged in the construction or preparation of the 810-bed Waikeria Prison expansion as Construction has not yet commenced. I am advised that employment and industry training, including the Release to Work programme, are hugely beneficial for people in prison to gain real work experience and employment skills, making it easier for them to find work on release.