27307 (2025). Dr Tracey McLellan to the Minister of Corrections

27307 (2025). Dr Tracey McLellan to the Minister of Corrections: What is the estimated total prison population by 30 June 2026?

Hon Mark Mitchell: Corrections does not decide who is in prison and who is in the community – this is a matter for the Courts and New Zealand Parole Board. However, there are a range of factors that influence the prison population, including arrests, court decisions and releases. I am advised that Corrections continuously reviews the entire prison network to ensure staffing numbers and facilities around the country are able to meet the demands of the current prison population. I am further advised the Justice Sector Projections are just one factor Corrections considers when planning for current and future prison populations. This is because the projections represent only one possible future, and do not reflect the impact of any future legislative, policy, operational or procedural changes. I refer the member to the Ministry of Justice website here: https://www.justice.govt.nz/justice-sector-policy/research-data/justice-sector-projections/ where the 2025 Justice Sector Projections, which will include the estimated prison population for June 2026, will soon be publicly available.