- The Department of Corrections has spent $2 million putting up prison guards in central Auckland hotels while they work at Mt Eden Prison.
Corrections has defended the bill, saying it has negotiated significant discounts for the hotel rooms – although it will not reveal precisely how much it is paying per night.
Up to 40 guards at a time have been put up in central Auckland hotels for the last 18 months while they work at Mt Eden, RNZ reported.
Corrections was forced to take over control of the prison from private prison operator Serco in July last year, after allegations of fight clubs emerged.
READ MORE:
* Corrections launches major recruitment drive
* Serco to pay $8 million for Mt Eden takeover costs
* ‘Disorder’ breaks out at Auckland’s Mt Eden Prison
* Corrections to examine its contract with Serco after ‘fight club’ videos
* Corrections Minister insists no evidence of fight clubs was found at Mt Eden in 2009
JOHN SELKIRK/FAIRFAX NZ
Mt Eden Prison was operated by private prison operator Serco until July last year.
READ MORE VIA STUFF