1 June 2005
For immediate release

Corrections laws modernised

New legislation that updates New Zealand’s corrections laws comes into effect today. The Corrections Act 2004 replaces the Penal Institutions Act 1954 and reflects modern conditions and the management of offenders.

The past 10 years have seen New Zealand’s corrections legislation become outdated, says Corrections Chief Executive Barry Matthews. Many incremental changes have been made to the Penal Institutions Act over the years, making it unnecessarily complex and difficult to follow.

“The reforms give priority to public safety and ensure that victims’ interests are considered.”

The new Act is designed to complement the Sentencing Act 2002 and the Parole Act 2002, and will incorporate some parts of the Criminal Justice Act 1985 in order to retain the powers and functions of Probation Officers.

The Act puts in place a legal framework that supports modern correctional practice, and the Department’s approach to offender management, which aims to reduce re-offending through more effective targeting of rehabilitative and reintegrative programmes and services.

“There are major benefits every time we stop somebody re-offending – less crime, fewer victims, less cost to society,” says Mr Matthews.

Prison staff will have increased search powers under the Act, as the Department looks to stamp out the use of drugs and other contraband.

ENDS

© Scoop Media