Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern tonight opened the Criminal Justice Summit, speaking of her own interest in criminal justice.
"If we want to talk about an effective justice system, we shouldn't start with a discussion about prisons, but a discussion about New Zealand," Ms Ardern said.
Ms Ardern mentioned Government policies of the Families Package, Winter Energy Package and the Mana in Mahi work scheme, as attempts to reduce poverty in New Zealand.
She then moved on to New Zealand’s high incarceration rate.
"We all realise that prisons are a moral and fiscal failure.
"The question we now face then, is what to do about it."
She spoke about prioritising victims of crimes, as well as early intervention and the implementation of a mental health unit at Waikeria Prison.
"That is far too late in our system."
Ms Ardern asked Criminal Justice Summit audience to lend their experience and expertise.
"Everyone in NZ deserves to feel safe, to be safe, and to be free to experience a future full of opportunity. That is after all, the New Zealand we probably think we already are, now let's try and make it a reality."
Ms Ardern mentioned the statistics of inmates in New Zealand prisons:
• 70 per cent have difficulty with literacy
• 62 per cent have mental health issues in the last 12 months
• 47 per cent have an addiction problem
• 53 per cent of women and 15 per cent of men have experienced sexual assault
• 77 per cent have been victims of violence.
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