Le’aufa’amulia Asenati Lole-Taylor
Spokesperson for Corrections

July 4, 2014

Lack of Resources Responsible for Latest Attack in Prison

New Zealand First says the stabbing of a 29-year-old prisoner at Spring Hill Corrections Facility is another sign that the Department of Corrections is being underfunded.

“Prison staff need adequate resources to deal with the dangerous and complex situations they face. The National Government knows this but that didn’t stop them from cutting around $40 million from important Corrections services this year,” says Spokesperson for Corrections Le’aufa’amulia Asenati Lole-Taylor.

“The Minister for Corrections continues to boast about a drop in New Zealand’s prison population, and they have used this as an excuse for allocating fewer resources to custodial services and other internal operations.

“This neglectful attitude is what led to the riot in June last year at Spring Hill Corrections Facility, which lasted over 10 hours, caused $10 million in damages, and left guards seriously injured.

“It wasn’t long ago when a Corrections officer died after being seriously assaulted by a prisoner at the same prison.

“This neglect is costing the taxpayer, putting lives in danger.

“New Zealand First recognises that we cannot afford to take short cuts when it comes to our prisons. That’s why we want them to have better resources that are appropriate for the difficult and dangerous work they do.

“This includes adequate safety measures for prison staff, and improved management systems that reflect appropriate rehabilitation and reintegration initiatives. The needs of both Corrections staff and prisoners must be met,” says Mrs Lole-Taylor.

ENDS

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