Rimutaka Prison

Rimutaka Prison is in Upper Hutt, north of Wellington. It is one of New Zealand's largest prisons, and opened the country's first container-cell unit in 2010.

Contact details

Phone: (04) 529 0800

Postal address:Private Bag 47901
Trentham
Upper Hutt 5143

Physical address:Freyberg Rd extension
Trentham
Upper Hutt 5018

General information

Security classification: Minimum to high security male prisoners
Year established: 1967 (originally called Wi Tako)

Offender training

Activity	Capacity	Description
Carpentry Training Workshop	16	The workshop based Carpentry training programmes provides prisoners hands on training in the theory and practical aspects of introductory carpentry and construction to develop the skills, knowledge, and attitudes to enter the construction industry. The main course project is the construction of a partial or complete house. Currently delivering: The National Certificate in Building, Construction, and Allied Trade Skills Level 2. Short Certificate in Carpentry Level 3.
Painting Training Workshop	16	The workshop based Painting training programme provides prisoners hands on training in the theory and practical aspects needed to enter the Painting industry. Prisoners undertake commercial painting projects in order to demonstrate their skills. See also: Asset Maintenance Employment Currently delivering: The National Certificate in Painting Level 3
Motor Industry Training Workshop	16	The workshop based Automotive training programme provides prisoners hands on training in the theory and practical aspects needed to enter the employment in garages and the automotive industry. Prisoners work with project vehicles to demonstrate their skills. Currently delivering: Certificate in Motor Industry (Automotive) Level 2 Certificate in Motor Industry (Small Motors) Level 2
Engineering Training Workshop	15	The Engineering Training workshop provides an intensive introductory course in Mechanical Engineering trades to prepare learners for employment in engineering both in the real world or in the adjacent Engineering Employment activity and as an engineer in the Concrete Workshop. Currently delivering: The National Certificate in Mechanical Engineering Level 2
Brick and Block Laying Training Workshop	15	The workshop based Brick and Block laying training programme provides prisoners hands on training in the theory and practical aspects needed to enter employment in brick and block laying, construction trades. Prisoners build a range of brick and block projects to demonstrate competency. Currently delivering: Certificate in Brick and Block Laying Level 3

Offender employment

Activity	Capacity	Description
Kitchen	41	Kitchen prisoners are employed under supervision of Offender Employment Instructors to provide the prison population with three nutritional meals a day from a national menu. Prisoners also learn additional skills within the commercial catering environment and meal distribution. All areas of prison catering operate under an approved food safety programme. Prisoners are supported to learn on the job towards the National Certificate in Cookery Level 2 and 3.
Corrections Staff College	32	Corrections staff college provides accommodation, restaurant and conference facilities to support Corrections training new front line staff. Prisoners supporting the operation of the College undertake a range of hospitality operations including, cleaning and caretaking, kitchen and catering, accommodation hospitality. Prisoners are supported to learn on the job towards the National Certificate in Hospitality Level 2 (and above).
Asset Maintenance	10	Asset Maintenance work parties clean, maintain, and paint Corrections buildings and facilities. Prisoners wash down, prepare, and paint corrections buildings exterior and interior including working at heights. Prisoners are supported to learn on the job towards the National Certificate in Painting Level 3, transitioning to the National Certificate in Painting and Decorating Level 4 in June 2014.
Grounds Maintenance	18	Grounds Maintenance work parties maintain and beautify Corrections land assets through cleaning, mowing, trimming, planting and maintaining gardens. Prisoners are supported to learn on the job towards the National Certificate in Horticulture Level 2 (and above).
Distribution Centre	34	The Distribution Centre is a warehouse and distribution operation providing prisoners with a range of approved items for prisoner purchase. The Distribution centre operates like a commercial activity and provides prisoners with experience in a range of retail, warehousing, and distribution roles including operating commercial systems and forklifts. Prisoners are supported to learn on the job towards the National Certificate in Distribution Level 2 and 3.
Print Shop	40	The Corrections Print Shop at Rimutaka prison provides a range of commercial printing services under contract to external client operations and to support Corrections activities including printing information brochures, training and assessment materials, and other materials for corrections staff and prisoners. Prisoners employed in this activity perform a range of commercial printing roles from design, printing using various techniques, binding, and distribution of printed materials. Prisoners are supported to learn on the job towards the National Certificate in Printing Level 2.
Horticulture Nursery	25	The commercial nursery operation provides plants, flowers, and seedling to external clients under contract. Prisoners employed in this activity undertake a range of production horticulture roles from preparing and planting, understanding and caring for plants, to potting and transporting seedlings. Prisoners are supported to learn on the job towards the National Certificate in Horticulture Level 2 and Level 3.
Contract Work Parties	18	Contract work Parties provide a range of services to local government, councils, charities, and iwi to support community engagement projects through providing skilled and unskilled labour to construction, planting, cleaning, and other projects. Prisoners are supported to learn on the job health and safety.