Green Party justice spokesperson Nandor Tanczos today congratulated Corrections Minister Matt Robson on the opening of a new drug and alcohol rehabilitation unit at Rolleston Prison.

The 60 bed unit is separate from the main prison and is the second of its kind in the country.

"The Green Party are pleased that alcohol and drug abuse is being targetted in this initiative," said Mr Tanczos. "If we are serious about reducing crime then we have to appropriately treat those who are commiting the crime in the first place."

Mr Tanczos said that with around 90 per cent of all inmates having serious drug and alcohol problems it was crucial that New Zealand prison's addressed these problems and that quality support was there to help inmates conquer addiction.

"Dealing with the drug problems of inmates will help reduce serious reoffending and go a long way towards helping prisoners function properly in society after their release," said Mr Tanczos. "Comprehensive education opportunities also have a huge role to play in rehabilitation and the reduction of reoffending.

"The Green Party sees this unit as money well spent and we look forward to seeing more like them in the future," said Mr Tanczos. "This measure is a progressive one, and the commitment to sensible justice policy that it represents is most refreshing."

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