Prison closes due to lack of staff

The prisoners are gone, trucks are taking away the furniture and all that's left is to lock the gate when Ohura Prison closes today.

Although prisoners are being housed in police and court cells across the country, the Corrections Department has decided to close the 97-bed prison, citing its isolation -- 50km northwest of Taumarunui -- as a major problem in attracting staff.

The prison, built on the site of former coal-miners' accommodation, opened in 1972 and was the small King Country village's major employer.

Corrections Association president Bevan Hanlon said Ohura's closure was inevitable.

"There were never any incentives made to attract staff to work there, which is ridiculous considering the national muster crisis," he said.

New Zealand First law and order spokesman Ron Mark said it was outrageous to close a prison while other prisons were bulging at the seams.

"Instead of closing the prison, Corrections should be investing in the local community and expanding the site, which is an ideal spot for a prison," he said.

Most of the 40 staff at Ohura Prison are transferring to Turangi's Tongariro-Rangipo Prison while others are taking severance packages.

- nzpa