Simon Power National Party Law & Order Spokesman
17 April 2006
$11 million for landscaping at prisons
National's Law & Order spokesman, Simon Power, says he is astounded that landscaping at New Zealand's four newest prisons will be more
than $11 million.
He has released figures from Corrections Minister Damien O'Connor which show that estimated landscaping costs at the
prisons are:
* Spring Hill (Waikato): $4.34 million.
* Northland (Ngawha): $1.56 million.
* Auckland Women's: $1.98 million.
* Otago Region: $3.3 million.
"I realise that some of the sites have to meet visual stipulations under the consent agreements to satisfy the local
community, but that is a lot of plants, design work, planting, topsoil, pavement and bark.
"And when you take into account that at three of the sites, prison labour made or will make 'a significant contribution'
to the landscaping work, including providing seedling stock, you have to wonder how much higher those costs could have
been.
"I also note there is no mention of consents in the answer for Spring Hill. Does this mean none were required, in which
case why did they spend so much and where did that $4.3 million go? No wonder there is a constructions budget blowout of
$490 million.
"We are not meant to be creating outdoor works of art or serene walks around these prisons. These are meant to be
places where inmates are reminded every day of why they are there. Taxpayers need to be assured they are not funding an
entry for the Ellerslie Flower Show.
"Under this Government, which has been caught taking prisoners to the beach, letting them watch R-rated movies, and
giving them ice cream and steak for dinner, it just becomes easier and easier for prisoners. Now they are making sure
they have a pleasant outlook as well."
Attachments: Answers to WQ 2860/01/02/03
*********
> From: qwawf
> Sent: Tuesday, April 11, 2006 3:44:40 PM
> To: Jemma Montagu
> Cc: Simon Power; Jemma Montagu
> Subject: 02860 (2006) Published - Corrections - Normal Reply
>
Question: What is the estimated final cost of landscaping at the Spring
Hill Corrections Facility site, and what specific types of landscaping
does this entail?
Portfolio: Corrections
Minister: Hon Damien O'Connor
Date Lodged:28/03/2006
Answer Text: The Spring Hill Corrections Facility will occupy a
215-hectare site, which includes an area inside the secure perimeter of 22 hectares. The final landscaping cost is
estimated at $4.345 million (GST exclusive). This covers the supply of plants and seedlings, site preparation, planting
of trees and shrubs, topsoil supply and placement, establishment of grass areas, Puna landscaping, fencing, paving and
provision of maintenance services through to the commissioning stage. Corrections Inmate Employment is making a
significant contribution to landscaping work including the supply of seedling stock.
Attachment: None
Date Received:11/04/2006
> -------------------------------------------
> From: qwawf
> Sent: Tuesday, April 11, 2006 3:44:40 PM
> To: Jemma Montagu
> Cc: Simon Power; Jemma Montagu
> Subject: 02861 (2006) Published - Corrections - Normal Reply
>
Question: What is the estimated final cost of landscaping at the Northland Region Corrections Facility site, and what
specific types of landscaping does this entail?
Portfolio: Corrections
Minister: Hon Damien O'Connor
Date Lodged:28/03/2006
Answer Text: The Northland Region Corrections Facility occupies a
190-hectare site, which includes an area inside the secure perimeter of 16 hectares. The final landscaping cost is
$1.56million (GST exclusive), and provides initial screen planting, the supply of plants and seedlings, site
preparation, planting of trees and shrubs, design and planting at the front entrance to the site, topsoil supply and
placement, pavement, establishment of grass areas, and provision of maintenance services through to the commissioning
stage.
Landscaping is required to meet visual stipulations mitigation under the consent agreements and to satisfy the local
community. The Northland region Corrections Facility came into service in March 2005.
Attachment: None
Date Received:11/04/2006
From: qwawf
> Sent: Tuesday, April 11, 2006 3:44:41 PM
> To: Jemma Montagu
> Cc: Simon Power; Jemma Montagu
> Subject: 02862 (2006) Published - Corrections - Normal Reply
>
Question: What is the estimated final cost of landscaping at the Auckland Region Women's Corrections Facility site, and
what specific types of landscaping does this entail?
Portfolio: Corrections
Minister: Hon Damien O'Connor
Date Lodged:28/03/2006
Answer Text: The Auckland Region Women’s Corrections Facility will occupy a 47-hectare site, which includes an area
inside the secure perimeter of 12 hectares.
The final landscaping cost is estimated at $1.984 million (GST exclusive), and provides the supply of plants and
seedlings, topsoil supply and placement, establishment of grass areas, screen planting, paving, landscaping advice and
remedial planting to meet consent agreements. Corrections Inmate Employment has made a significant contribution to
landscaping work including the supply of seedling stock.
Attachment: None
Date Received:11/04/2006
-------------------------------------------
> From: qwawf
> Sent: Tuesday, April 11, 2006 3:44:41 PM
> To: Jemma Montagu
> Cc: Simon Power; Jemma Montagu
> Subject: 02863 (2006) Published - Corrections - Normal Reply
>
Question: What is the estimated final cost of landscaping at the Otago
Region Women's Corrections Facility site, and what specific types of
landscaping does this entail?
Portfolio: Corrections
Minister: Hon Damien O'Connor
Date Lodged:28/03/2006
Answer Text: There are currently no plans for an Otago Region Women’s
Corrections Facility. If the Member is referring to the Otago Region
Corrections Facility, which is a 330 bed male only facility, the final
estimated cost of landscaping at the facility is $2.07million (GST
exclusive) for landscaping the secure area and $1.23million (GST
exclusive) for shelter belt planting and external fencing.
The Otago
Region Corrections Facility occupies a 187-hectare site, which includes an area inside the secure perimeter of 15
hectares. Corrections Inmate Employment will contribute to landscaping work including the supply of seedling stock.
Landscaping is required to meet visual stipulation mitigation under the consent agreements and to satisfy the local
community.
Attachment: None
Date Received:11/04/2006
ENDS