The go-ahead for a prison at Ngawha is great news for the Northland community, says Northland MP John Carter.

"The majority of residents will welcome this news. Many Northlanders have friends or family that would otherwise be incarcerated in other parts of New Zealand. The support of these people is vital to the rehabilitation of inmates and the Northland prison will ensure inmates have access to this support.

"The establishment of the new prison offers job opportunities both in the development and staffing of the prison as well as in providing support in areas such as health.

"This is a great opportunity for Northland to lead New Zealand in developing a new concept of rehabilitation. While it is disappointing the Minister has knocked private prisons before he has even tried them, I am confident that the Department of Corrections together with the people of Northland will make this facility something progressive for our community and that we can be proud of," Mr Carter said.

Ends

© Scoop Media