The government has announced a significant redevelopment of Christchurch Men’s Prison, including 240 new high-security beds, a new Health Centre, and an Intervention and Support Unit with 52 beds, as part of Budget 2025.

Corrections Minister Mark Mitchell made the announcement at the Investment Summit in Auckland, saying the expansion was essential to meet the rising prison population, improve safety, and support rehabilitation efforts.

The project, which is expected to cost between $700 million and $800 million, is part of Phase 1 of Corrections’ Christchurch Men’s Prison Redevelopment Programme. The work will be delivered under a Public Private Partnership (PPP), meaning the facilities will be designed, built, financed, and maintained over a 25-year period, while Corrections will continue to manage operations and custodial responsibilities.

“We’re investing in our prisons to meet the growing demand for capacity, keep frontline staff, prisoners and the public safe, and provide the best possible environment to rehabilitate prisoners to reduce the risk of reoffending,” Mitchell said.

The new Intervention and Support Unit will provide specialist mental health support for prisoners at risk of harming themselves or others, with a focus on creating a safer environment for both staff and inmates.

“A significant number of prisoners experience mental health issues, which can be extremely challenging for both them and our frontline staff,” Mitchell said. “This unit will be safer for staff, giving them the facilities they need to do their jobs well, and will be a much better environment for the prisoners being treated there.”

The redevelopment also includes a new Health Centre, which will offer a range of medical and mental health services, staffed by nurses, general practitioners, psychiatrists, psychologists, physiotherapists, optometrists, and dentists.

“Helping prisoners address their mental health and healthcare needs is essential to ensuring they can go on to take part in other rehabilitation programmes and treatment,” Mitchell said.

“The staff at Christchurch Men’s Prison work incredibly hard to manage some of this country’s most dangerous people and keep New Zealanders safe. We are committed to ensuring they have safe, modern facilities to work in and an environment where they can deliver effective rehabilitation, mental health, and health services,” Mitchell said.

The project is part of the government’s broader strategy to expand prison capacity and invest in infrastructure, with a targeted completion timeline to be confirmed.