Fast-Tracked Upgrades to Auckland Prison w/ Emmy Rākete from people against prisons Aotearoa: 9th October, 2024

One of the projects included in the government's recently announced fast track list is a construction project that would increase the capacity of Paremoremo, Auckland Prison.

The project would add a series of new rooms, floors and beds to the prison, which would double the prison’s inmate capacity from 600 to 1200.

The announcement has been criticised and denounced by prison reform activists in Aotearoa, with one of their concerns being that, without adequate staffing to accommodate an increase in prisoners, the upgrades would lead to chaos and more antisocial behaviour in the prison. 

Oto spoke to Emmy Rākete, a Lecturer in Social Sciences at the University of Auckland and founder of People against prisons Aotearoa, to discuss the announcement of fast tracked upgrades to Auckland prison.