Strategic Intentions 2025-2029

Download the Strategic Intentions 2025-2029 PDF, 2.2 MB

Introduction from the Chief Executive and Minister’s statement

These Strategic Intentions cover the four years until 2029. I expect that this period will continue to be one of significant change for Corrections as we build on the foundations we have set over the past four years.

I am proud of the progress we have made since 2022. Alongside launching a refreshed Hōkai Rangi as our enduring strategy, we have also developed an Organisational Roadmap and Performance Framework. Together, these artefacts articulate our future direction and the outcomes we seek to achieve.

Our purpose is to make the community safer by supporting people to leave us better and with brighter prospects. This is not something that we can achieve alone. We are strengthening how we work together on multi-agency responses in partnership with local organisations and iwi to better manage risk and intervene early so people get the right services and support at the right time.

The next four years will see a relentless focus on ensuring that we have the prison capacity to safely meet an increasing prison population.

Alongside this, our recruitment efforts will continue at pace, acknowledging that Budget 2025 has provided us funding for an additional 580 new frontline staff, including 368 Corrections Officers.

With a workforce of around 11,000, we are one of New Zealand’s largest core government agencies. The overwhelming majority of our staff work on the frontline in our prisons and community sites. These staff operate in often challenging work environments. I am committed to ensuring they have the tools and support to do their jobs safely. As outlined in our Organisational Roadmap, a significant focus for us will be investing in the capability of our workforce and improving our culture. We are aware that to deliver change and achieve what we need to, we must invest in our people. We are working hard to ensure that we have the right workforce capacity, systems that build and strengthen capability, and provide positive environments for staff, as well as enhancing our culture. We will also make sure our people have a clear pathway to build a long-term career at Corrections.

I believe we have built strong momentum for change. I am committed to us continuing the journey we are on. We know that there is more to do. And there are challenging realities we must manage, including changing custodial and community corrections environments. However, I am confident that with the support of our hardworking and dedicated workforce, we will achieve our goals of improved public safety, reduced reoffending, and reduced Māori overrepresentation.

Jeremy Lightfoot
Secretary for Corrections and Chief Executive
Te Tumu Whakarae mō Ara Poutama Aotearoa

Responsible Minister statement

I am satisfied that the information on strategic intentions prepared by the Department of Corrections (Ara Poutama Aotearoa) is consistent with the policies and performance expectations of the Government.

Hon Mark Mitchell
Minister of Corrections