The number of convicted criminals being sent to prison is at an all-time high.
Ministry of Justice data shows more than seven thousand people were sent to prison following convictions in the year to June, up 14% on the previous year.
The proportion of people who received prison sentences is the highest on record, at 15%.
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith told Ryan Bridge their focus is on reducing victims of crime, not sending people to jail.
But he says if it leads to a higher prison population in the short term, so be it.
LISTEN ABOVE

Simon Laurent: NZ Association of Migration and Investment Chair on net migration hitting a two year high
02:56

Brad Olsen: Infometrics Principal Economist on how an uncertain global bond market could impact New Zealand
04:38

Tania Tapsell: Rotorua Mayor on tourism arrivals overtaking pre-Covid numbers
03:54