Waikeria prison bed increase crucial, Ōtorohanga mayor and David Bennett say
The Government has seemed to confirm that Waikeria won't become the "mega prison" proposed by the National-led government.
Labour has stated a mega prison is off the cards, but two Waikato-based politicians say a boost in prison beds is crucial to ease a lingering capacity crisis.
Māori Development Minister Nanaia Mahuta told TVNZ's Marae on Sunday morning the Government was "not going to be throwing $1 billion at Waikeria Prison".
Corrections Minister Kelvin Davis confirmed that the mega prison proposed by the previous National-led government - was a no-go, though said a wider decision around Waikeria was still pending.
Ōtorohanga District Mayor Max Baxter thinks a firm decision is yet to come.
Ōtorohanga District Mayor Max Baxter - disappointed by the news - hopes a firm decision hasn't been made.
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Comments from Labour ministers have been inconsistent, Baxter said.
"As much as Minister Mahuta is saying there's no intention to build a mega prison in Waikeria, the views from other ministers seem to be somewhat different to that," Baxter said, referring to Finance Minister Grant Robertson's tweet to say no final decision had been made by cabinet.
"Our infrastructure is not in place to do anything but what we're doing at the moment."
Millions of dollars' worth of roadworks have kicked off to accommodate a forecast increase in prison traffic and houses are being developed to make room for an increase in Corrections staff and their families.
Baxter hopes a firm decision will be made by the end of the month.
"What that investment is and the shape it takes? We don't have the answer. We're just waiting."
National Corrections spokesman David Bennett said the Government has dithered for seven months amid rising prison numbers.
"No Government wants to build a new prison," Bennett said in a statement. "But when you're faced with an increase in serious and violent crime, it is the only option to keep the public safe.
"Its Budget announcement to provide 600 pop-up beds in existing prisons is like putting a plaster over a gaping wound."
- Stuff
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