Aerial view of Waikeria Prison 2024
The Department of Corrections has nearly completed a 21-hectare building project to add nearly 600 beds in 28 new buildings at Waikeria Prison.
Increasing the size of the prison also comes with a staff increase – a total of 216 jobs are being created.
And there are already plans to add another 810 bed extension bring the total projected increase to more than 1400 beds.
The present capacity of the prison between Te Awamutu and Ōtorohanga is 460 and includes 96 beds in a dedicated mental health and addictions services unit.
The new facility, due to open later this year, is within the existing prison’s 1200-hectare footprint.
The new facility is entered via a gatehouse outfitted with X-ray scanners and walk-through metal detectors.
It includes a visits building with two main indoor visiting areas and an outdoor visiting area if the weather permits. It has multiple family rooms, a suite of non-contact booths and audio-visual link suites.
There is also a medical centre designed to cater to primary health needs.
A programme building serves as an education and rehabilitation hub. The ground floor features a large learning area comprising 10 classrooms split across three separate courtyards.
A new industries building offers industry training to gain qualifications.
A kitchen provides prisoners with the opportunity to learn cooking for instructors and help them find jobs on release.
The project includes a 1.7km secure perimeter fence with anti-climb technology.
Biometric security to strengthen the site’s overall safety.
Acting deputy chief executive of infrastructure and digital assets Tom Baker said the development represented a significant investment in increasing prison capacity, strengthening mental health services and providing more rehabilitation, education, and training space for prisoners.
“It is a critical part of our plan to meet anticipated prison population growth and ensure New Zealand has sufficient prison capacity and modern, fit-for-purpose infrastructure that supports the safe and effective delivery of services in prison,” he said,
The new facility is being completed under a public-private partnership, with the Department of Corrections contracting Cornerstone Infrastructure for the build.
Last year the government announced a further 810 bed extension at Waikeria Prison.
“This means a total of 1406 beds are being added to Waikeria Prison, ensuring safety, security and capacity across the prison network in the Waikato region,” Baker said.
