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Source: ONE News
Corrections is to get $24 million from the government for initial design and planning work for the construction of additional beds at upper North Island prisons.
Corrections Minister Judith Collins says the funding would put the department in a strong position to decide which options should be progressed in next year's budget.
The prison population had been rising over a number of years and that was forecast to continue, she says.
"Significant construction is required over coming years to increase the number of prison beds."
"The programme will focus on cost effectively delivering increased and secure prison capacity in the upper North Island, where the need will be greatest."
Collins says funding had also been provided to address the immediate need for beds through double bunking at Northland region prison, Auckland region women's prison, Spring Hill (Waikato), Otago and Mt Eden.
The government would also tackle the high re-offending rate of prisoners by boosting rehabilitation with more industry skills training and double the number of prisoners eligible for drug and alcohol treatment.
