22 November 2005
Myths surrounding life inside are being dispelled by a new reality television series set in Rimutaka Prison.
Called Locked Down, the series offers a rare glimpse of prison life through the eyes of staff and prisoners.
Public Prisons Service General Manager Phil McCarthy says that allowing a film crew into a prison for a production of this scale was exceptional.
"I am extremely proud of the work our staff do, often in difficult and challenging situation.
"The series offered a unique opportunity to convey the professionalism and dedication of prison staff. I hope people who watch Locked Down come away with a much better awareness of the realities of prison life and an appreciation of the good work being done in our prisons."
Rimutaka Prison, in Upper Hutt, was chosen as the subject of Locked Down because it has a wide range of specialist units, including a youth unit, Maori focus unit, and New Zealand's only violence prevention and faith-based units.