Jacinda Ardern

Acting Corrections Spokesperson
3 October 2015

Sexual assault at Wiri prison another Serco failure

The alleged rape of a prisoner who was moved out of segregated custody and locked in a cell overnight with mainstream prisoners is clear evidence Serco are not fit to run New Zealand’s prisons, says Labour’s Acting Corrections Spokesperson Jacinda Ardern.

“After the chaos and violence we saw at Mt Eden Prison, we are now seeing Serco isn’t fit to run Wiri prison either.

“It’s there in black and white in Serco’s contract that they have to run proper segregation policies at Wiri to keep at-risk prisoners safe. They clearly aren’t living up to that.

“The Government needs to stop being soft on Serco. They’ve had second chance after second chance so the Minister won’t have to face up to reality.

“Privatising the prisons has been a disaster. Everyone can see it and it’s time National admitted it.

“This should be the last straw, Serco needs to go before more people are hurt,” says Jacinda Ardern.

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