Rolleston Prison

Rolleston Prison is located south west of Christchurch and houses lower-security prisoners.

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Contact details

Phone:
(03) 345 6400

Postal address:
PO Box 45
Rolleston
Canterbury 7643

Physical address:
Walkers Road
Rolleston
Christchurch

General information

Prisoner capacity: 320
Types of prisoners: Minimum to low-medium security men
Year established: 1958

Security

Because Rolleston Prison contains prisoners assessed as being of minimal risk to the public, the level of physical security is lower than would be found at many other prisons.

Rolleston Prison does not have a perimeter fence. Instead, individual units have their own secure fencing and the prison has electronic security devices around the perimeter.

In addition, cameras, closed circuit TV, video motion detectors and microwave sensors are used at the prison.

Reducing re-offending

All prisons provide a range of programmes designed to get prisoners to live offence-free lives once released. The programmes fall into four broad categories:

• motivation to change
• rehabilitation
• education and employment
• reintegration back into the community

Specialist units at Rolleston Prison:

• Kia Marama sex offender treatment unit

Rolleston Prison has the 60-bed Kia Marama Sex Offender Treatment Unit, one of two such units in the country.

Kia Marama delivers a group-based treatment within a therapeutic environment.

The programme helps prisoners look at the patterns of their offending and identifies high risk situations.

Evaluations have shown that the programme is very effective in reducing re-offending.

Prisoner-employment industries at Rolleston Prison:

• Food preparation and catering
• Grounds maintenance
• Clothing workshop
• Farm work, including a piggery
• Organic garden and plant nursery

 Download more detailed information about Rolleston Prison (PDF 41.4KB)