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Corrections Minister Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga welcomed the passing of a Bill which will help protect New Zealanders from sexual and violent offenders in the community who are at high risk of re-offending.

The Parole (Extended Supervision Orders) Amendment Bill had its third and final reading in Parliament today and passed with unanimous support from all political parties.

Minister of Corrections Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga today challenged NZ First on accountability and said the primary focus for him as Minister of Corrections is the security and safety of the public.

“Under the previous Labour-NZ First Government, there were 15 breaches from temporary release between 2005 and 2008.  That compares to just four under National since 2008,” Mr Lotu-Iiga says.

“I didn’t see NZ First MP Ron Mark complaining at the time, when New Zealand had on average five people a year absconding under his Government’s watch.

Corrections Minister Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga today acknowledged the release of the Department of Corrections’ Chief Custodial Officer’s Review of the Failure to Return from Temporary Release of Phillip John Smith.

“This review shows there were a number of failings within Corrections regarding the management of the prisoner in the lead-up to his absconding,” says Mr Lotu-Iiga.

“The main issue was that the plan to manage the prisoner was misinformed.”

Police Minister Michael Woodhouse and Corrections Minister Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga say agencies are working together to urgently review how a prisoner on temporary release was able to leave the country. 

“The circumstances leading to Phillip John Smith (Traynor) obtaining a passport and later absconding are the subject of multiple investigations involving Police, Corrections and the Department of Internal Affairs,” says Police Minister Michael Woodhouse.

Corrections Minister Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga has presented Corrections’ inaugural Partner of the Year award to Housing New Zealand.

The award recognises the joint initiative which sees prisoners at Spring Hill Corrections Facility and Rolleston Prison work to refurbish houses for Housing NZ.

“The innovative partnership between Corrections and Housing NZ is a ‘win win’ for both agencies,” says Mr Lotu-Iiga. “Offenders gain valuable skills, qualifications and work experience, while Housing NZ has its houses repaired and refurbished.

Corrections Minister Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga says staff and prisoner safety in prisons will be boosted by the wider use of on body cameras in sites around the country.

“Frontline Corrections officers are well trained and resourced to deal with difficult situations in our prisons, but we remain focused on continually improving the safety of our staff and prisoners.  These cameras will be another measure to de-escalate what can often be highly tense situations.” Mr Lotu-Iiga said.