law
18 Dec 2025

Corrections chief held accountable for prisoners not being let out of cells

From Checkpoint, 4:32 pm on 18 December 2025

A High Court judge has ordered the Department of Corrections boss to obey the law or face contempt of court proceedings if he fails to make sure prisoners aren't let out of their cells for an hour everyday to exercise. Justice Jason McHerron found some inmates in Auckland Prison weren't allowed the minimum time required under law, and is holding the Corrections chief executive Jeremy Lightfoot personally accountable. Finn Blackwell has more.