In the community

The majority of offenders in New Zealand are on probation, which means they are serving their sentence in the community rather than in prison. Around 26,000 offenders serving community-based sentences at any given time, compared to more than 9,000 people in prison.

If you are serving a community sentence or you have been released from prison on parole or with special conditions, you are “on probation”.

Our Probation Officers work with people on probation to motivate them to make changes in their lives. This may include attending programmes to address violence, alcohol and drug abuse or driving offences. If appropriate, offenders can attend programmes that teach them about Māori culture and give them an opportunity to re-connect to their iwi.

There is a strong focus on reducing the likelihood of their re-offending, and keeping the public safe.