Foreword - Minister of Corrections
The Prime Minister is leading the creation of a new results-driven public service, and is making the whole public sector accountable for achieving the results the Government expects over the medium term. The goal set for the Department of Corrections is to reduce re-offending rates by 25 percent by 2017. It is an ambitious challenge that will stretch the Department, force change and drive innovation.
To reach this target, the Department’s focus over the next three years will need to be on strengthening rehabilitation and reintegration to prepare and support offenders to lead law-abiding lives. In doing this, the Department must continue to improve public safety, and ensure better public value in the expenditure of taxpayer dollars.
The Department will need to partner with organisations both at national and community levels to achieve its goals. The daily interaction that Corrections’ staff have with offenders gives the Department scope to lead our partners in working with offenders to find stable employment and address causes of re-offending, such as drug and alcohol abuse. Relationships with iwi and Mäori communities are critical to supporting offenders to make positive changes in their lives.
The foundations for the expected improved performance have already been laid. Frontline roles have been, and will continue to be, re-focused to maximise meaningful interactions with offenders. New insights will be gained from private sector innovation and expertise through the contract managed prison at Mt Eden, and through the Public Private Partnership prison to be built at Wiri. Through increased efficiency and effectiveness, the Department will enable more opportunities for positive changes to be made in the lives of offenders.
I am confident that the Department will rise to meet the challenges ahead. In working with justice sector partners, and with the wider public sector, it will contribute to a significant reduction in re-offending, and to a drop in the overall crime rates, meaning a safer New Zealand for us to enjoy.
I am satisfied that the information on future operating intentions provided by my Department in this Statement of Intent and the Information Supporting the Estimates is in accordance with sections 38, 40 and 41 of the Public Finance Act 1989 and is consistent with the policies and performance expectations of the Government.