The Corrections Minister says reducing prisoner numbers just puts offenders into the community. 

The Government's also scrapping funding for pre-sentencing cultural reports. 

Those reports consider how an offender's personal background may have contributed to their crime.

It's scrapping Labour's target to reduce the prison population by 30% and will introduce legislation to cap sentence discounts at 40%. 

Mark Mitchell told Mike Hosking that in 2017, about $40 thousand was spent on cultural reports, growing to $7.7 million in 2023. 

He says there was a senior gang member advertising they could write a cultural report, guaranteeing to have the sentence reduced. 

LISTEN ABOVE

The Corrections Minister says reducing prisoner numbers just puts offenders into the community.  
The Government's also scrapping funding for pre-sentencing cultural reports.  
Those reports consider how an offender's personal background may have contributed to their crime. 
It's scrapping Labour's target to reduce the prison population by 30% and will introduce legislation to cap sentence discounts at 40%.  
Mark Mitchell told Mike Hosking that in 2017, about $40 thousand was spent on cultural reports, growing to $7.7 million in 2023.  
He says there was a senior gang member advertising they could write a cultural report, guaranteeing to have the sentence reduced.  
LISTEN ABOVE

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Open your mind to the world with New Zealand’s number one breakfast radio show. Without question, as New Zealand’s number one talk host, Mike Hosking sets the day’s agenda. The sharpest voice and mind in the business, Mike drives strong opinion, delivers the best talent, and always leaves you wanting more. The Mike Hosking Breakfast always cuts through and delivers the best daily on Newstalk ZB.

Open your mind to the world with New Zealand’s number one breakfast radio show.Without question, as New Zealand’s number one talk host, Mike Hosking sets the day’s agenda.The sharpest voice and mind in the business, Mike drives strong opinion,...