Why the fuss over shipping container prisons?

I have two words about the fuss over putting prisoners in converted containers - Wai Iti.

It is a rustically beautiful beachside retreat in north Taranaki. As well as having classic kiwi baches dotted on hills overlooking the Tasman Sea, the old camping ground has a whole lot of extremely pleasant cabins or "compartments" as they are called, converted from old shipping containers.

The settlement was developed by New Plymouth lawyer and entrepreneur Paul Carrington and his wife, Shelley, and I stayed in one of them when Paul's sister and husband had a big birthday bash there.

They are lined. They have windows cut into them and decks attached to them for G and T at sunset. And people pay to stay in them. They are very cute and a testament to Kiwi ingenuity and, I'm sure many people would think, far too good for prisoners.

The concern cannot be about containers for prisoners per se but about how they are adapted, where they are put and what is done with the prisoners when they are serving their sentence.

What is instrinsically "inhumane" about shipping containers? As proposed by Corrections Minister Judith Collins? Surely it is better to have decent temporary accommodation for prisoners and to direct any money saved into quality staffing and training programmes - especially at a time when everyone else in society is having to tighten their belts.

Audrey Young

Pictured above: Shipping containers. Photo / Tracey Grant