58779 (2025). Dr Tracey McLellan to the Minister of Corrections

58779 (2025). Dr Tracey McLellan to the Minister of Corrections: What is the current policy or guideline for notifying a prisoner’s whānau or next of kin of a serious injury in custody, if any, and what is the target timeframe for notification, if any?

Hon Mark Mitchell: I am advised that Corrections follows the guidance outlined in the Corrections Regulations 2005 when notifying a prisoner’s family or next of kin of a serious injury in custody. In accordance with the Corrections Regulations 2005, where there is a serious injury to a prisoner in custody, the prison manager must ensure that notice is given promptly to the person nominated as a contact person or the prisoner’s next of kin. I am also advised that if a prisoner requests staff not to notify their next of kin in the event they incur a serious injury in prison, prison staff must comply with this request.