Asenati Lole-Taylor
Spokesperson for Corrections
23 March 2012

Government Creates Criminal Dumping Ground

The government’s haste to cut prisons is creating a ‘dumping ground of humanity’ in South Auckland, says New Zealand First Corrections spokesperson Asenati Lole-Taylor.

“The decision by the government to build a privately-operated prison in Wiri sends out an appalling message that South Auckland is the place for criminals and prisons.

“The government is shutting down prisons in other parts of the country while making South Auckland a dumping ground of humanity.’’

There are already five prisons in the Auckland region, including two near the site of the Wiri facility, and the local community has had enough.

“When Auckland Women’s Prison was built the community was told they would play a part in the integration of prisoners into society. That was just window dressing.

“This government has no intention of including the community in any of its decisions,’’ says Mrs Lole-Taylor.

John Key visited McGehan Close in South Auckland during the 2008 election campaign. He described a “real helplessness” among locals where “rungs on the ladder of opportunity have been broken’’.

Mrs Lole-Taylor says the situation has only worsened since the Key-led government took office.

“In fact there are more broken rungs than ever before. Building yet another prison in South Auckland could well break the entire ladder.”

ENDS