Remand Prison Returns To State Control

12 July 2005

Remand Prison Returns To State Control

The GEO Group, holders of the private management contract for the Auckland Central Remand Prison, said today that although they were extremely disappointed that the contract had come to a close they would like to thank all of those people who have supported them during their time in New Zealand.

The contract ends at midnight on July 12.

“Our time in New Zealand managing the Auckland Central Remand Prison has been an extremely rewarding one,” said Managing Director Pieter Bezuidenhout.

“We are very pleased with what we have achieved while in New Zealand and we are especially grateful for assistance we gained from working with the Iwi Whanui, O Tamaki Makaurau and the Pacific Peoples Advisory Group.”

“We knew when we came to New Zealand that the key to our success would be the relationship we had with the New Zealand people and it has been a privilege to work alongside so many special contributors to the New Zealand community.”

Mr Bezuidenhout also made comment on the quality of the contract.

“We would also like to acknowledge the Department of Corrections for its work with us especially in the development of the contract. It gave us the opportunity to put in place constructive and positive systems in the areas of education, rehabilitation, health and cultural understanding. Our work in New Zealand has added value and understanding to our delivery worldwide.”

“Finally I would like to thank the staff of the Auckland Central Remand Prison for their approach to what can be an extremely demanding job and their attitude and loyalty to The GEO Group. We wish to express our gratitude and appreciation for their efforts and commitment and they can be assured that GEO will always be proud of their achievements during the duration of the contract.”

“If the opportunity arises in the future The GEO Group would be delighted to again play a role in New Zealand’s correction facilities system.”

Notes:

The Auckland Central Remand Prison opened in 2000

In 2001 ACRP became New Zealand’s first prison to pass the internationally recognised ISO 9001: 2000 Quality Management Assessments. ACRP is still the only prison in the country to hold this accreditation.

Also, ACRP became the only prison in the country to qualify for Quality Health Accreditation. All other prisons are exempt from the requirement that all providers of health care services must achieve a level of health accreditation.

In The GEO Group’s five years of management there were only two suicides, one escape from the prison and one escape by a prisoner on hospital escort.

ENDS

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