Prison job loss numbers revised

Job losses at Tongariro/Rangipo Prison will be less than originally planned. Photo / File

News that restructuring at Tongariro/Rangipo Prison will not have as big an impact on staffing levels as initially announced has been welcomed by local community leaders.

The Department of Corrections last month announced the prison was in line to lose nearly a third of its 220 full-time equivalent staff as the prison was downsized and redeveloped as a smaller 300-inmate, low-security prison.

Following a month of consultation, the number of predicted job losses has dropped from 67 to 37.

Taupo community leaders, Mayor David Trewavas and Turangi Tongariro Community Board chairman Tong Kingi think the revised figure is good news for the local community.

Mr Trewavas says, while no job losses would be the preferred option, the department has listened and taken on board community concerns and made efforts to minimise the impact.

The staff cuts are part of major restructuring measures that include a sell-off of most of the prison's 8481ha farm and forestry assets and closure of four aging Rangipo units housing up to 240 inmates.

The redevelopment of the Tongariro section as a low-security prison will include a small beef and sheep stock holding and land block.

Corrections' central regional commissioner Terry Buffery says the Rangipo units being closed by the end of the year range in age up to 55 years old and have come to the end of their useful life.

He says the redevelopment of a new transit hub, receiving office, gatehouse, trade training facilities and a secure perimeter will significantly lift the standard of the prison.

"While the prison will be smaller, the impact on staff will not be as great as first thought.

"This reflects the need to ensure we maximise the use of the new facilities and investment in security upgrades with a staffing model that matches."

The reduction in staff numbers is being achieved through non-replacement of existing vacancies at Tongariro/Rangipo, voluntary transfers to other prisons and an enhanced early retirement programme.

The reductions will be managed across the site rather than affecting just staff who currently work in the units signalled for closure.