Advice: Ombudsmen

21/08/2023

Kia Whaitake | Making a Difference: Investigation into Ara Poutama Aotearoa | Department of Corrections (2023)

The Chief Ombudsman, Peter Boshier, asked us to assist with his self-initiated systemic investigation into Ara Poutama Aotearoa | the Department of Corrections. He began the investigation after the riot at Waikeria Prison, to find out why the Department, despite accepting most of the recommendations made by oversight agencies, had been slow to make the changes they called for. He found four key issues affecting its ability to change: the way it managed reports and recommendations from oversight agencies; insufficient attention to its obligations under Te Tiriti o Waitangi, the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act and international law, including the Mandela Rules; challenges with culture and leadership; and the need to bring its workforce on the journey.

Read the report: https://www.ombudsman.parliament.nz/resources/kia-whaitake-making-difference-investigation-ara-poutama-aotearoa-department-corrections

Reference
Chief Ombudsman. (2023, June 28). Kia Whaitake | Making a Difference: Investigation into Ara Poutama Aotearoa | Department of Corrections. Office of the Ombudsman. https://www.ombudsman.parliament.nz/resources/kia-whaitake-making-difference-investigation-ara-poutama-aotearoa-department-corrections

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