39619 (2025). Hon Dr Duncan Webb to the Minister of Corrections

39619 (2025). Hon Dr Duncan Webb to the Minister of Corrections: Further to WPQ 38204 (2025) In the past twelve months how much (if anything) has the Department of Corrections paid in respect of claims made by prisoners for breaches of prisoner rights?

Hon Mark Mitchell: As one of New Zealand’s largest public service departments, Corrections employs approximately 11,000 staff and is responsible for managing around 10,700 prisoners and approximately 26,000 people in the community. Corrections manages 17 prisons and a significant number of Community Corrections sites across the country. I am advised that between 1 July 2024 and 30 June 2025, Corrections has paid $498,194.12 in respect of claims made by prisoners for alleged breaches of prisoner rights. I am further advised that this figure includes payments for compensation, disbursements and legal fees.