Story perspectives

Government approves $503 million prison plan amid reform calls

6/3/2026

Summary

Story summary

The government approved a NZ$503 million prison-building plan for a forecast of 14,000 inmates by 2035.
Remand detainees comprise 41% of prisoners, 13% in 2000 after the 2013 Bail Act amendment shifted bail eligibility onto defendants.
In March 2026, 4,537 people were held on remand at $414 per day, costing nearly $1 million.
Analysts say Maori are disproportionately affected by stricter bail rules and early-intervention services would be more cost-effective than building prisons.

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Story summary

The government approved a NZ$503 million prison-building plan for a forecast of 14,000 inmates by 2035.
Remand detainees comprise 41% of prisoners, 13% in 2000 after the 2013 Bail Act amendment shifted bail eligibility onto defendants.
In March 2026, 4,537 people were held on remand at $414 per day, costing nearly $1 million.
Analysts say Maori are disproportionately affected by stricter bail rules and early-intervention services would be more cost-effective than building prisons.