Corrections NZ

13/10/2026

Women using the library at Arohata Prison have been gifted bookmarks designed by a former prisoner, thanks to the fundraising efforts of a local schoolgirl.

Meredith began working with Lynette, a librarian at Arohata Prison, a few years ago after a school project inspired her to identify and support a community in need.

The teenager has previously raised money to help expand the prison library and, with her fundraising support, a former prisoner’s artwork has been turned into bookmarks.

“The women who received them are very appreciative and felt connected to the design,” says Lynette.

The artist worked as a library assistant while in prison, which involved learning new skills such as organising using the Dewey Decimal System and mending books.

Two hundred copies of the bookmark were printed and distributed to prisoners using the library service.

05/10/2026

New dog handler Keira has made a strong start to her career alongside canine partner, Bluey, with two recent contraband busts at a prison in Auckland.

During a vehicle search, Bluey alerted his handler to potential contraband in the boot, where staff found a large quantity of cannabis, along with weighing scales and point bags.

The suspect was arrested.

While searching incoming prisoner mail, Bluey showed strong interest in a hairbrush, and 24 grams of to***co was found stuffed inside. After further inspection, staff discovered hair scrunchies in the same package with rolling papers sewn inside them.

Bluey has been working as a Corrections Detector Dog since 2025, but only recently teamed up with Keira, who graduated as a dog handler in July.

“I am incredibly proud of Bluey and excited to see what we can achieve together,” Keira says.

Every detection helps make our prisons safer for staff, prisoners and communities.

Well done, Bluey and Keira! 🐕

17/09/2026

For Te Wiki o te Reo Māori 2026, each day we’re exploring how to say some of the various roles our kaimahi (staff) do here at Ara Poutama Aotearoa – the Department of Corrections.

Lastly for Rāmere (Friday) is Kaiwhakaako – Instructor.

Coming from a wide range of industries, our Instructors bring trade knowledge and experience to whakaako (teach) at prisons. Guiding and mentoring offenders to gain new skills and qualifications, Instructors can play a vital role in setting prisoners up for employment after they are released, reducing their chance of reoffending.

15/09/2026

For Te Wiki o te Reo Māori 2026, each day we’re exploring how to say some of the various roles our kaimahi (staff) do here at Ara Poutama Aotearoa – the Department of Corrections.

For Rāapa (Wednesday) is Kaimātai Hinengaro – Psychologist.

Our Psychologists provide assessment and treatment both in prison and the community, helping to address the root causes of offending and reducing recidivism. The mahi (work) our psychologists do can have significant positive impact, not only for the individuals they treat, but also for whānau (family) and the wider community.

14/09/2026

For Te Wiki o te Reo Māori 2026, each day we’re exploring how to say some of the various roles our kaimahi (staff) do here at Ara Poutama Aotearoa – the Department of Corrections.

First up for Rāhina (Monday) is Āpiha Whare Herehere – Corrections Officer.

Corrections Officers are critical for the operation of the 17 prisons across the motu (country) and help keep our communities safe. They spend much of their time in units with offenders and can have a huge impact on influencing change through day-to-day interactions. It's hugely diverse, rewarding, and challenging mahi (work).

07/09/2026

It’s International Literacy Day and we are taking this opportunity to recognise our amazing education tutors!

Judith has worked in the education space at Rimutaka Prison for 15 years. In her current role as a Corrections Education Tutor, she meets with prisoners to discuss their education history, assess their literacy and numeracy skills, and put them on a learning pathway.

“We find out what kind of learner they are, what their aspirations are, and what type of job they want to do when they get out.”

Research shows education and employment can significantly reduce a person’s risk of reoffending, and Corrections offers a range of education and training programmes. But many prisoners lack the basic skills needed for further study or training.

“They need literacy skills just to make everyday decisions. They need it to find employment. It builds their confidence and independence, and for some, it creates opportunities for further education,” says Judith.

Education tutors are there to support prisoners in their learning, whether that's developing literacy and numeracy skills, gaining NCEA credits, or even completing a degree.

“It’s a surreal moment when you make a change in a person’s life, when they start to really believe in themselves, and they want to go even further.”

Thank you to Judith and all our education tutors 📖

03/09/2026

Did you know Corrections recruits some of its detector dogs from pounds? Scout, one of our newly graduated dogs, came from Gisborne District Council’s pound. After showcasing his excellent work ethic and ability to learn quickly, it was clear he would be a great fit for the Department of Corrections.🐕

Read more about Scout’s journey here:

The 18-month-old Labrador-pointer mix now works in Auckland jails.

27/08/2026

Today is the Cancer Society’s Daffodil Day 💛 and the prisoners working in the Horticulture Programme at Waikeria Prison have grown and harvested daffodils to donate to Te Awamutu’s Daffodil Day street appeal.

Men in the programme grow produce and plants, gaining valuable skills and earning NZQA credits towards qualifications.

The men started planting the flowers earlier this year, with guidance from Horticulture Instructors like Morgan, who helped to harvest the daffodils ready for donating.

Morgan says it’s positive for the men to be involved with the daffodil growing and harvest, especially for a good cause. This year, they will donate several large buckets of flowers to raise money for the Cancer Society.

The prison has supported this cause since 2015.

16/08/2026

Last month, we celebrated the 2026 Detector Dog and Dog Handler graduation at the Police Dog Training Centre in Upper Hutt.

Three new handlers graduated with their canine companions, and five experienced handlers graduated with new detector dogs.

These dogs are carefully selected and highly trained to detect a range of contraband. Detector dog teams work incredibly hard to help keep our prisons safe.

Congratulations to our graduates 🐕‍🦺🎓

31/07/2026

Did you know Corrections operates its own commercial dairy farm at Otago Corrections Facility? Prisoners can get on-the-job training here, setting them up with skills and qualifications to help them into employment after they’re released.

Read all about it on pages 4-5 of this week’s Southern Rural Life:

Southern Rural Life