Food

Prison menus are developed in consultation with a qualified dietician to ensure they fit both legislation and the Ministry of Health’s food and nutrition guidelines.

Using bulk buying means we get good value for money on meals – we budget our food at $5.60 per day per prisoner.

Special diets

Medical diets (for dietary control or treatment for a medical condition) are provided as prescribed if a medical officer recommends them.

Vegetarian and vegan meals are provided on written request and according to a prison-specified process.

Grocery items

Prisoners can also buy some extra grocery items through the weekly shopping system.

Bringing in food

Friends and family or specified visitors (for example, local iwi, Kaumatua or volunteers) are not permitted to bring in food items for prisoners unless they have the written permission of the prison manager.