Speakers
Parallel Workshops
New Zealand’s prison population is surging to record highs—up around 30% since late 2023, with especially sharp increases for women—placing significant pressure on the justice system at a time of fiscal constraint. This presentation cuts through the numbers to explain what’s driving the growth, what was forecast versus what is actually unfolding, and what the next decade is likely to bring. It highlights the real-world implications for Corrections: rising remand populations, infrastructure capacity challenges, and the need to remain operationally ready for every person sent into custody.
Beyond the data, the talk tackles the harder questions: the persistent and worsening overrepresentation of Māori—particularly wāhine Māori. It sets out how Corrections is responding, from a 20 year infrastructure strategy to adapting frontline practice, and reflects on the role of public servants in providing free and frank, evidence-based advice to Ministers. At its core, this is a candid look at how a system under pressure balances immediate demands with long-term stewardship—and what that means for public safety, equity, and the future of the justice sector.
Tena koutou katoa, ko Emily Owen toku ingoa.
I am currently Director Policy, Research & Performance at the Department of Corrections/Ara Poutama Aotearoa, I joined the Department June 2021. In this leadership role I am accountable for working across the justice sector on policy reform and strategic issues including the growth of the prison population. Together with my teams I am responsible for our legislation, regulations, research programmes and measuring how well we are performing against our outcomes and performance measures.
Prior to joining Corrections, I held a range of senior leadership positions within New Zealand government departments. Across these roles I have led large, multidisciplinary teams and portfolios spanning strategy, legislative and operational policy working mostly with Māori groups.