Corrections Amendment Bill passes second reading

Corrections Minister Anne Tolley says a Bill which will enable prisons to operate more effectively has passed its second reading.

The Bill proposes improvements to drug testing and searching procedures, which will lead to enhanced safety and security.

It will also make it an offence for a prisoner to “waterload” prior to a drug test.

“We are using this Bill to make tobacco and smoking items illegal on prison grounds, which will strengthen current regulations,” says Mrs Tolley.

“This will be addressed in a Supplementary Order Paper (SOP) which I will introduce at the Committee Stage.

“The Smoke Free Environments Act will also be amended by the SOP to ensure that legislation fits with the smoking ban in prisons, to protect the health of prison officers and prisoners.

“There is no way we are backing away from the smoking ban in prisons. It has been highly successful, and these changes to the Bill clearly show our commitment to a policy which has delivered a better, healthier and safer workplace for staff, and for prisoners.”

ends

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Metservice: Where Will Snow Fall And What To Look Out For

The deep Antarctic air that is expected to sweep across the country this week is bringing very significant weather to many provinces.Here's the official MetService view of the key weather concerns for the country.

MetService Media and Communications Meteorologist Dan Corbett commented,"While snow will be a major issue for those in the South Island, wind and hail will affect many North Island districts."

Snow is expected to fall to sea level, or very near it, from Southland to South Canterbury from late Wednesday into Thursday and Friday. The snow level is expected to rise to 200m from about Christchurch northwards... More>>