APPE for legal advisers
Last updated: 08 May 2026
We use an electronic system called the Authorised Provider Prison Entry System (APPE) to record our staff and external providers, including legal advisers who enter and exit prisons. APPE also helps us manage people who are on site in an emergency.
How to appy for an APPE profile
If you’re a legal adviser to a person in prison, you can apply to become an approved provider by completing the APPE application form.
Once you’re approved, your profile is set up in the APPE system and issued an APPE ID card. Note: The APPE ID card is only issued to you if you make in-person prison visits.
When you visit a prison, present your APPE ID card to the gatehouse staff who will scan your card and confirm your identification and approval to enter the prison.
Your ID card must also be scanned upon exiting the prison.
APPE FAQs
What information is required to create an APPE profile?
We only collect information necessary to maintain prison security and complete our vetting process. For legal advisers, this includes verifying your NZLS Practicing Certificate. The details requested are basic professional contact information, typically already available on the NZLS register or online:
- First Name
- Last Name
- Work Email Address
- Work Phone Number
The details you supply must match NZLS register.
You must also supply a relevant photo attachment with the application (i.e. selfie or head shot).
What about legal professionals who do not hold a practicing certificate, such as law clerks?
We have options for individuals directly assisting a lawyer, such as law clerks, who may need to contact a client on the lawyer’s behalf. If you are a law clerk, please e-mail adc@corrections.govt.nz for further information.
Do I need a Ministry of Justice Criminal Record Check?
By default, all prison visitors must undergo a Ministry of Justice Criminal Record Check. However:
- Lawyers with a valid practising certificate are exempt from this requirement.
- Other legal professionals assisting a lawyer are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
What are the next steps after completing an application?
Once your application is approved and your profile has been created in the APPE system, an APPE ID card will be created and sent to the prison you have selected for pick-up. The prison staff will confirm your identity and issue you the card and an approval letter.
Some prisons may also require you to complete additional induction requirements before allowing you entry into their prison.
What if I need to visit multiple prisons?
You will have one APPE ID card for all prisons. Please select all prisons that apply that you want to visit.
When does my APPE card expire?
Your APPE approval is valid if you have a NZLS Practicing Certificate. Staff will use the NZLS register to confirm you have a current practicing certificate and will update our system to reflect this annually. This means you do not need to re-apply for a new APPE ID card.
I have an APPE card, can I just turn up at a prison?
You still need to book an appointment for the preferred day and time with the prison as per usual processes. You will bring your APPE ID card to your organised visit.
What should I do if I forget my APPE card?
If you forget to bring your APPE ID card, talk to the gatehouse staff who will manually sign you in and out of the APPE system upon entry and exit. You must still present a valid photo ID to confirm your identity.
What if I lose my APPE card?
Please talk to prison staff or alternatively e-mail ADC@corrections.govt.nz
What are the benefits of having an APPE card?
You’ll be able enter and exit prisons faster as our staff are able to quickly verify you within our APPE system.
Soon we will use the APPE system to improve communication between legal professionals and clients in custody, reducing the need for repeated contact information submissions and vetting processes (noting this is a future pending step following the APPE roll-out).
For any other queries or questions please e-mail ADC@corrections.govt.nz