OFFICE OF THE INSPECTORATE Te Tari Tirohia

4 November 2025

The Office of the Inspectorate has released its inspection report for Hawke’s Bay Regional Prison.

“This inspection found many areas of positive practice, but also some areas of concern,” said Chief Inspector Janis Adair.

Compared with many other prisons, Hawke’s Bay Regional Prison offers a wide range of constructive activities, including work, education and rehabilitation programmes, especially to prisoners in low and minimum security units. Nearly 100 prisoners had jobs in the prison, and 14 had jobs outside the prison (Release to Work). Prisoners in high security units have more limited opportunities.

“It was pleasing to see that some Māori prisoners, particularly those in specialist units (such as Te Tirohanga Unit and Te Whare Oranga Ake), had access to cultural practices and programmes,” said Ms Adair.

The inspection found a range of concerning safety, security, and integrity-related issues. Staff and prisoners told us contraband (such as cellphones and drugs) was widely available, and we observed that some security processes could be improved. Many staff thought senior managers knew about these issues but did little to address them.

More than a third (35%) of staff had less than two years of experience working in a New Zealand prison. Some of these new staff told us they needed more support or training.

The health team was fully staffed with nurses and provided a good level of care, which was generally timely. Nurse clinics were well-organised, but many prisoners had their health appointments rescheduled. Nurses appropriately screened new prisoners for mental health needs and risk of self-harm. There was good collaboration and supported decision-making between mental health staff on site.

Prisoners in the Intervention and Support Unit, who were at risk of self-harm, were being managed in a respectful and supportive way. However, these prisoners were unable to mix with others and, for some, this likely amounted to solitary confinement.

Prisoners generally told us they felt safe, but many said there was bullying in their units.

Double-bunked cells in the high security units were cramped. Some high security prisoners spent around 22 hours a day locked in their cells, which were uncomfortably hot in summer. We were pleased to note the site was trialling an air conditioning unit in one high security cell.

Prisoners were able to keep in touch with their families and whānau, including by video calling and regular in-person visits.

“The site is now expected to create an action plan to address the findings of this report,” said Ms Adair. “I look forward to working with the site as I continue to monitor progress.”

Hawke’s Bay Regional Prison is situated in a rural area around nine kilometres south of Hastings.

The Inspectorate is a critical part of the independent oversight of the Corrections system and operates under the Corrections Act 2004 and the Corrections Regulations 2005. The Inspectorate, while part of Corrections, is operationally independent, which is necessary to ensure objectivity and integrity.

The inspection process provides an ongoing insight into prisons and provides assurance that shortcomings are identified and addressed in a timely way, and that examples of good practice are acknowledged and shared across the prison network.

ENDS