The Chief Ombudsman in New Zealand commenced a systemic investigation in 2021 to identify systemic barriers and opportunities to effect significant and sustained change. The key recurring themes in the Ombudsman OPCAT and similar inspection reports that indicate opportunities to build a more humane prison system include:

Limited progress towards implementing our Hōkai Rangi strategy (this strategy expresses our commitment to delivering better outcomes with and for Māori; the indigenous people of New Zealand) and prioritising human rights
Practices around the use of coercive powers, such as strip searches and use of segregation
Access to wellbeing-focused activities – such as rehabilitation and reintegration services
Data recording and analysis practices that relate to assurance of performance

Many of the concerns identified by the Ombudsman have also been identified by Corrections. To effect system-wide transformation that will better enable us to realise our strategic vision, we have begun the following programmes of work:

A system-level operating model and reorganisation
A system-level care framework
An integrated pathway applied across functional areas that supports a person on their journey through the corrections system.
A wellbeing measurement tool for people living and working in New Zealand prisons

This is a three-part workshop. The first session will focus on outlining the key findings and themes in the Ombudsman’s investigation. The second and third sessions will be deep dives into the four transformation programmes describing their purpose, progress, and testing the direction of travel with an international audience.

Driving a System-level Transformation of the New Zealand Prison System from a Human Rights Foundation (PID152)

Speakers

Dr Juanita Ryan