Waikeria Corrections and Treatment Facility

New Zealand's new high security corrections facility

The Waikeria Corrections and Treatment Facility will deliver prison accommodation for up to 600 people, including a 100-bed mental health and addiction facility providing continuity of care for men in custody as they transition back into the community. 

Pacific Partnerships led development of the project and is providing equity financing for 25 years and CPB Contractors is undertaking design and construction of the facility. 

The new Waikeria facility is being built on the site of the existing Waikeria Prison in the Waikato region (upper North Island) of New Zealand, as part of the New Zealand Government’s program to deliver a more effective and humane justice system. 

Located two hours south of Auckland, the new facility will be operated by the Department of Corrections and is set to open in 2024. 

Release to work program

The project has had a social equity focus on rehabilitation, health and wellbeing of prisoners through a release to work program. In collaboration with the NZ Department of Corrections, CPB Contractors engaged 78 men (as at September 2023) to assist in building the new prison. 

Release to work allows minimum security prisoners who are assessed as suitable to engage in paid employment to help them gain employment on release. The men have worked alongside an average of approximately 600 men and women, including 45 local subcontractors, and participated in all aspects of construction. 

Running since 2018, the program focuses on promoting inclusiveness within the local community and building capability and has led to full time employment for 28 men after their release.