Human Rights and Prisons - Rethinking Crime and Punishment

The approach to leisure and entertainment opportunities in NZ prisons
appears to be quite ad hoc in nature. Examples of good practice include:
The recent programme at Arohata Women‟s Prison, in which prisoners
from various units prepared and held a kapa haka concert in late 2008;
or when the Wellington Community Choir recently undertook a concert
in the prison.
The inclusion of Arts Access Aotearoa to implement arts programmes
within different prisons, including a fabric art course in Auckland
Women‟s.
The showcasing of artwork undertaken by those held at Northland
prison.
The move to develop a National Prison Arts Strategy is commendable. The
roll-out and impact of this strategy should be subject to further attention.
5.6 Exercise
Law and policy framework
All prisoners may take at least one hour of physical exercise per day, in the
open air, weather permitting (s70, Corrections Act). The Prison Service
Operations Manual (F.13) establishes that, before participating in any physical
recreation facilities, prisoners must have received a complete health
screening assessment. All prisoners should receive training with regards to
minimising injuries.
Issues
Physical exercise can bring the same benefits as Lippke (2007) identified with
regards to leisure (see above). In relation to New Zealand, prisoner access to
exercise is not always guaranteed. The Ombudsmen‟s Office (2005:22)
detailed that „…there appeared to be a dearth of adequate opportunity for
recreation and sport‟. Part of the problem is that many prisons lack adequate
gym and sporting equipment however, even when good facilities are available,
prisoners can not readily access them. Access is contingent upon unlock
hours, staff availability and prison routines.
5.7 Access to Others
Law and policy framework
Prisoners are entitled to receive at least one private visitor each week for a
minimum duration of 30 minutes (s73). Visiting times are set by individual
prisons, and can only be removed if a prisoner is placed in segregation or has
been subject to a penalty. Prisoners can make at least one outgoing call, of
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