Computer suites go into all prisons

Modern computer training suites will be installed in all New Zealand's 20 prisons by the end of the year.

Corrections Department service development manager Brendan Anstiss says most prisons have suites that are used to provide vocational training, but the numbers of computers will be "greatly increased".

About 200 computers, all of which are refurbished second-hand machines, will be installed by the end of June and the Corrections Department is looking at options to roll out extra machines next year, Mr Anstiss says.

At the moment, only four new prisons in Northland, Auckland, Otago and Spring Hill, and Wanganui prison have comparable facilities.

Mr Anstiss says inmates are able to take courses in Microsoft Office 2003 and Typemaster Pro, an e-learning tool that teaches touch typing. The computers are also used to help prisoners learn Maori.

"Corrections is highly focused on training and upskilling prisoners to help them find meaningful employment upon release."

Prisoners cannot use the computers to access the Internet, he says. "They are fully managed and there is no access outside of the secure network.

"Prisoners that receive this type of vocational training have requested to participate in these courses and they have shown that they are motivated to learn."

The Corrections Department was unable to estimate the cost of fitting out the remaining prisons, saying this would involve a "substantial collation of information". Mr Anstiss says as the computers are second-hand the direct costs will be "minimal".

Corrections Minister Phil Goff said the suites would increase the number of prisoners taking vocational qualifications, following a drop last year.