Bishops shocked by New Plymouth prison

Senior church leaders have spoken out against conditions at New Plymouth prison, labelling the cramped cells a "source of shame and disgrace".

They also say a 22-hour-a-day lockdown instituted in the prison is "disturbing."

The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu – who was imprisoned by dictator Idi Amin – and former Governor-General Sir Paul Reeves visited the city prison last week, along with the Bishop of Taranaki, Philip Richardson.

Their 3 1/2-hour visit was part of a week-long stay in the region, leading up to the consecration of St Mary's Church as the Taranaki Cathedral.

In a statement released to the Taranaki Daily News yesterday, they commented on the professionalism, courtesy and humanity of the staff they met and the way they related to prisoners. They found the work of the two chaplains, Sister Margaret and The Rev Judy Clark, a source of inspiration.

They also understood the importance of New Plymouth retaining a local prison, which allows prisoners from the region to maintain links with family. However, they described the lack of resources which forces a 22-hours-a-day lockdown, as disturbing.

Physical conditions in the older part of the prison attracted special concern, with the bishops saying cramped cells built 150 years ago were "a source of shame and disgrace for us all".

"In our view, to house men in such claustrophobic conditions for months at a time, some of them as young as 17, many of them still on remand, is dehumanising for inmates and staff alike."

The Archbishop of York, the second most senior Anglican leader in the world, is renowned in the UK for his outspoken views.

In 1974, his criticism of the Idi Amin regime for its human rights violations led to his arrest and departure from Uganda for the UK. He spent 90 days in jail and has described being "kicked around like a football and beaten terribly".

The bishops have made their concerns known to the appropriate authorities.

The Taranaki Daily News was referred to the Corrections Department's Wellington head office.

"New Plymouth prison is New Zealand's oldest prison, built in the 1860s," a spokesman said in an emailed response.

"Despite the prison's age, we are able to manage prisoners held at the site securely and safely.

"The oldest part accommodates high security prisoners. This part is showing its age and has being identified as needing replacement in the future.

"Our priority must be public safety. We need sufficient beds to hold offenders who are imprisoned and we will need to continue using the prison in the medium term."

Conditions were similar to those found at other older sites, such as Mt Eden Prison and parts of Waikeria Prison, he said.

Prisoners were managed the same in all prisons, and the department disputed the 22-hour lockdown claim.

High security prisoners were unlocked from 8am to 5pm. Low security prisoners were unlocked for a longer period of time. While unlocked, prisoners could undertake employment, education, hobbies and other activities.

Youth prisoners were accommodated at New Plymouth only for short periods of time and for operational reasons such as court appearances. They were usually accommodated in specialist youth units.

- © Fairfax NZ News