46407 (2024). Dr Tracey McLellan to the Minister of Corrections

46407 (2024). Dr Tracey McLellan to the Minister of Corrections: How many beds, if any, are Corrections projected to deliver by June 2028?

Hon Mark Mitchell: I am advised that an immediate programme of work which commenced in February 2024 will add 156 beds to Corrections’ operating capacity. These beds are in addition to others that were closed and are being brought back into service, some of which are expected to be in service by late 2024. This is also in addition to the existing development of the new facility at Waikeria Prison, which will provide an additional 600 beds, including 96 dedicated mental health beds (plus four dry cells). Corrections is also planning to ensure it can safely manage the prison population beyond 2028. A Long Term Network Configuration Plan has been developed which identifies investment intentions over a 20 year span. This includes the further expansion at Waikeria Prison of 810 beds announced earlier this year. Total costs incurred due to any necessary infrastructure works and any operational responses to manage the capacity requirements, either prior to or beyond 2028, have not been quantified at this time. This is also my response to WPQ 46502 (2024), WPQ 46511 (2024), 46521 (2024), WPQ 46557 (2024), and WPQ 46558 (2024).