Corrections Amendment Regulations 2025
Version updated on 26 November 2025 to make an editorial change to regulation 22.
2025/194
Corrections Amendment Regulations 2025
Cindy Kiro, Governor-General
Order in Council
At Wellington this 1st day of September 2025
Present:
Her Excellency the Governor-General in Council in Council
These regulations are made under section 200 of the Corrections Act 2004—
(a)
on the advice and with the consent of the Executive Council; and
(b)
on the advice of the Minister of Corrections after being satisfied of the matters specified in section 87(3) of that Act.
Contents
Regulations
1 Title
These regulations are the Corrections Amendment Regulations 2025.
2 Commencement
3 Principal regulations
These regulations amend the Corrections Regulations 2005.
Part 1 Amendments that commence on 30 September 2025
4 Regulation 61 amended (Cells for the assessment of prisoners’ mental health)
After regulation 61(1)(b), insert:
(c)
have suitable privacy screening, if the prison manager decides under regulation 61A(3) that privacy screening is safe to be provided to the prisoner in their cell.
5 New regulation 61A inserted (Privacy screening in cells used for the assessment of prisoners’ mental health)
After regulation 61, insert:
61A Privacy screening in cells used for the assessment of prisoners’ mental health
(1)
For the purposes of regulation 61(1)(c), a health centre manager must recommend to the prison manager whether the prisoner is safe to have privacy screening in their cell and whether any measures are necessary to support the safety of the prisoner in having the privacy screening, including (without limitation) measures relating to—
(a)
observations of the prisoner:
(b)
the duration or specific times the prisoner should have privacy screening:
(c)
the type of privacy screening that should be provided to the prisoner (for example, whether fixed or moveable).
(2)
The health centre manager must record a recommendation under subclause (1) on the prisoner’s prison record.
(3)
After receiving a recommendation from the health centre manager under subclause (1),—
(a)
the prison manager must decide, having regard to the health centre manager’s recommendations, whether the prisoner is safe to have privacy screening in their cell; and
(b)
if the prison manager decides that the prisoner is safe to have privacy screening, the prison manager must ensure that suitable privacy screening is provided to the prisoner in their cell, along with any measures that the prison manager decides are necessary to support the safety of the prisoner in having the privacy screening.
(4)
If there is a change in circumstances that may affect whether it is safe for the prisoner to have privacy screening in their cell, the prison manager must review their decision made under subclause (3)(a) and may remake the decision.
(5)
For the purposes of subclause (4), the prison manager does not first require a recommendation from the health centre manager.
6 Regulation 63 amended (Prisoners at risk of self-harm)
(1)
After regulation 63(4)(b), insert:
(c)
whether the prisoner is safe to have privacy screening in their cell and whether any measures are necessary to support the safety of the prisoner in having the privacy screening, including (without limitation) measures relating to—
(i)
observations of the prisoner:
(ii)
the duration or specific times the prisoner should have privacy screening:
(iii)
the type of privacy screening that should be provided to the prisoner (for example, whether fixed or moveable).
(2)
After regulation 63(6), insert:
(6A)
After receiving a recommendation from the health centre manager under subclause (4)(c),—
(a)
the prison manager must decide, having regard to the health centre manager’s recommendations, whether the prisoner is safe to have privacy screening in their cell; and
(b)
if the prisoner manager decides that the prisoner is safe to have privacy screening, the prison manager must ensure that suitable privacy screening is provided to the prisoner in their cell, along with any measures that are necessary to support the safety of the prisoner in having the privacy screening.
(6B)
If there is a change in circumstances that may affect whether it is safe for the prisoner to have privacy screening in their cell, the prison manager must review their decision made under subclause (6A)(a) and may remake the decision.
(6C)
For the purposes of subclause (6B), the prison manager does not first require a recommendation from the health centre manager.
7 New cross-heading and regulation 65AAA inserted
Before the cross-heading above regulation 65, insert:
Case management plans
65AAA Case management plans for certain prisoners
(1)
This regulation applies to every prisoner who is—
(a)
sentenced to imprisonment for a term of more than 2 months; or
(b)
in custody for a continuous period of more than 2 months on remand.
(2)
The case management plan devised for the prisoner under section 51 of the Act must—
(a)
be tailored to the individual prisoner and include an assessment of the needs, capacities, and disposition of the prisoner; and
(b)
make provision for the safe, secure, and humane treatment of the prisoner; and
(c)
outline how the prisoner can make constructive use of their time in the prison (including, in the case of a person sentenced to imprisonment, ways of addressing offending behaviour and preventing reoffending); and
(d)
outline how the prisoner may be prepared for eventual release from the prison and successful reintegration into the community; and
(e)
be consistent with the resources available to the chief executive to manage the prisoner.
(3)
The case management plan must be reviewed whenever there is a significant change in the prisoner’s circumstances.
8 Regulation 70 replaced (Physical appearance of prisoners detained in prison)
Replace regulation 70 with:
70 Haircuts and facial hair
(1)
A prisoner may—
(a)
keep or adopt a hair style of their choice:
(b)
grow or retain facial hair.
(2)
For the purposes of subclause (1), the manager of a prison must ensure that tools for maintaining haircuts and grooming or removing facial hair are available to every prisoner as far as is reasonably practicable, having regard to available resources, safety, and security.
9 Regulation 84 replaced (Copying of correspondence)
Replace regulation 84 with:
84 Copying of correspondence and mail
(1)
No correspondence or mail to or from a prisoner may be copied unless—
(a)
it is correspondence or mail between the prisoner and the department; or
(b)
it is copied in order for an authorised person (as defined in section 103A of the Act) to ascertain whether it may be withheld under section 108(1) of the Act; or
(c)
it is copied for the purpose of disclosing information under section 110A of the Act; or
(d)
it is copied in order to obtain legal advice to determine—
(i)
whether there are sufficient grounds to withhold the correspondence or mail under section 108(1) of the Act; or
(ii)
whether correspondence or mail that is withheld under section 108(1) of the Act should be forwarded to an enforcement officer; or
(iii)
whether the correspondence or mail may be disclosed for any other applicable purpose set out in the Act (including any of the purposes set out in section 110A(b) of the Act); or
(e)
it is copied for an intelligence purpose under subpart 4A of Part 2 of the Act; or
(f)
it is copied for the purpose of complying with any legislation or rule of law; or
(g)
it is copied for the purpose of having it translated into English or te reo Māori; or
(h)
the prisoner who sent or received the correspondence or mail consents to a copy being made.
(2)
A copy made under subclause (1) must be destroyed when it is no longer required for the purpose for which it was made or any other applicable purpose set out in the Act or in this regulation.
10 Regulation 113 amended (Visits not to be recorded without necessary approvals)
Replace regulation 113(2) with:
(2)
Subclause (1) does not forbid the use of the following in a visiting area of a prison:
(a)
a body-worn camera worn by an officer in accordance with regulation 129A:
(b)
security surveillance cameras or other technology if the cameras or other technology—
(i)
records only visual images; or
(ii)
records sound and visual images for an intelligence purpose under subpart 4A of Part 2 of the Act.
(3)
Written notice must be prominently displayed in visiting areas of a prison that inform visitors that security surveillance cameras, body-worn cameras, or other technology are or may be in use (as applicable) in those areas.
11 Part 9 heading amended
In Part 9 heading, replace “and mechanical restraints”
with “mechanical restraints, and body-worn cameras”
.
12 Regulation 125 amended (Additional circumstances for use of handcuffs and waist restraints)
(1)
In the heading to regulation 125, replace “handcuffs and waist restraints”
with “handcuffs, waist restraints, and drop pins”
.
(2)
After regulation 125(1), insert:
(2)
Drop pins used in conjunction with handcuffs may only be used—
(a)
in the case of a prisoner who is subject to a segregation direction under section 58 or 60(1)(b) of the Act or who is an at-risk prisoner, if all of the following apply:
(i)
the drop pin is used in conjunction with handcuffs for the purpose of escorting the prisoner; and
(ii)
the use of a drop pin in conjunction with handcuffs—
(A)
has been approved for the prisoner because of the risk of injury or harm they pose to any person; and
(B)
is recorded on the prisoner’s file; and
(iii)
the drop pin is used for no longer than is reasonably necessary for the purposes of applying or removing the handcuffs to facilitate the escort; and
(iv)
the prisoner is not left unattended while handcuffed and restrained by the drop pin to the cell grill or the door:
(b)
in the case of any other prisoner, if all of the following apply:
(i)
the drop pin is used in conjunction with handcuffs for the purpose of escorting the prisoner; and
(ii)
the officer who is facilitating the escort has reasonable grounds to believe that the prisoner may pose an imminent threat of injury or harm to any person; and
(iii)
the drop pin is used for no longer than is reasonably necessary for the purposes of applying or removing the handcuffs to facilitate the escort; and
(iv)
the prisoner is not left unattended while handcuffed and restrained by the drop pin to the cell grill or the door.
13 Regulation 127 replaced (Reporting use of mechanical restraint)
Replace regulation 127 with:
127 Reporting use of mechanical restraint
(1)
A staff member who uses a mechanical restraint on a prisoner in any circumstances must promptly report the use of the restraint to the prison manager.
(2)
The prison manager to whom the report is made must—
(a)
ensure that a written record of the report is made, signed, and kept, and a copy of the report is forwarded promptly to the chief executive; and
(b)
report the use of the restraint on the prisoner to a Visiting Justice, and in the case of a contract prison, to a monitor.
(3)
Nothing in this regulation applies to—
(a)
handcuffs used while escorting a prisoner (whether inside or outside a prison):
(b)
a waist restraint used in conjunction with handcuffs while escorting a prisoner (whether inside or outside a prison):
(c)
a drop pin used in conjunction with handcuffs for the purpose of escorting a prisoner under regulation 125(2)(a).
14 New cross-heading and regulation 129A inserted
After regulation 129, insert:
Use of body-worn cameras
129A Use of body-worn cameras
(1)
An officer exercising their powers or performing their functions under section 14 of the Act may use and activate a body-worn camera affixed to the officer’s person to record sound and visual images, but only if the officer—
(a)
has reasonable grounds to believe that using and activating the camera is necessary for the purpose of maintaining the security or good order of the prison, or ensuring the safety of any person; and
(b)
has regard to the humane treatment of prisoners when using and activating the camera.
(2)
However, a body-worn camera may not be activated to record sound and visual images of a prisoner while a strip search of the prisoner is being conducted unless an officer has reasonable grounds to believe there is an imminent risk of injury or harm to the prisoner or any other person.
15 Regulation 180 replaced (Chief executive may approve mixing of young and adult prisoners)
Replace regulation 180 with:
180 Chief executive may approve mixing of young and adult prisoners
(1)
If satisfied that it is in the best interests of a young prisoner or class of young prisoners, the chief executive may, in respect of a prison, approve the mixing of the young prisoner or class of young prisoners with a prisoner or class of prisoners who are 18 years or older.
(2)
However, the chief executive may not approve the mixing of accused prisoners with other prisoners under subclause (1) unless regulation 186 applies.
(3)
This regulation is subject to regulation 179A.
16 Regulation 184 amended (Immigration Act 2009 detainees subject to same regime as accused prisoners)
In regulation 184, delete “except as provided under regulation 70 and regulation 188”
.
17 Regulation 186 amended (Separation of accused prisoners)
(1)
After regulation 186(4), insert:
(4A)
Despite subclause (3), an accused prisoner may mix with other prisoners while the accused prisoner is attending a non-offence-based programme, but only if—
(a)
the prison manager considers that the accused prisoner’s participation in the programme is desirable in order to promote the accused prisoner’s reintegration into the community on release; and
(b)
it is not practicable or therapeutic to provide the programme for the accused prisoner separately from other prisoners; and
(c)
the accused prisoner has been consulted and consents to mixing with the other prisoners while they are participating in the programme; and
(d)
the prison manager has taken into account the needs of the other prisoners participating in the programme and is satisfied that the mixing of the accused prisoner with other the prisoners is appropriate.
(2)
Replace regulation 186(6) with:
(6)
Nothing in this regulation, except subclause (4A), applies to female accused prisoners who are allowed to keep their children with them in prison under section 81A of the Act.
18 Regulation 188 revoked (Physical appearance of prisoners awaiting trial)
Revoke regulation 188.
19 Schedule 1AA replaced
Replace Schedule 1AA with the Schedule 1AA set out in Schedule 1 of these regulations.
20 Schedule 2 amended
Amend Schedule 2 as set out in Schedule 2 of these regulations.
21 Schedule 3 amended
22 Schedule 5 amended
(1)
In Schedule 5, after clause 3(b), insert:
(c)
drop pins used in conjunction with handcuffs:
(2)
In Schedule 5, replace clause 7 with:
7
A prisoner may not be handcuffed or restrained to any part of a vehicle used for transportation.
7AA
Subject to regulation 125(2), a prisoner may not be handcuffed or restrained to a cell grill or a door.
Regulation 22(2): editorial change made by the PCO, on 26 November 2025, under sections 86(1) and 87(l)(iii) of the Legislation Act 2019 (2019 No 58).
23 Schedule 6 amended
In Schedule 6, replace Part A with the Part A set out in Schedule 3 of these regulations.
24 Schedule 7 amended
In Schedule 7, clause 36, delete “in the punishment book”
.
Part 2 Amendments that commence on 30 September 2028
25 New Part 4A inserted
After regulation 43, insert:
Part 4A Risk categories for remand prisoners
43A Principles of risk assessment for remand prisoners
(1)
A remand prisoner should be assigned the lowest risk category at which they can safely and securely be managed given the level of risk posed by the remand prisoner.
(2)
A remand prisoner who has been assigned a risk category must be placed and managed in a way that is consistent with their risk category, to the extent that it is practicable and having regard to the availability of accommodation and other resources.
43B Duty to carry out risk assessment of remand prisoner
(1)
The chief executive must ensure that every remand prisoner who has been remanded in custody in any corrections prison for a continuous period of 14 days has a remand risk assessment to assess the level of risk the prisoner poses to security and safety, and is assigned a risk category within that 14-day period.
(2)
The risk assessment must be carried out by a staff member (as defined in section 3(1) of the Act).
43C Assessment of risk for remand prisoners
A staff member conducting a risk assessment of a remand prisoner under regulation 43B must take into account the following:
(a)
the seriousness of the offence for which the prisoner is awaiting trial or sentencing or, in the case of a prisoner awaiting trial or sentencing for 2 or more offences, the seriousness of the most serious of those offences:
(b)
any history of escapes or attempted escapes from custody by the prisoner (whether or not as a remand prisoner):
(c)
any history of violent behaviour by the prisoner (whether or not as a remand prisoner):
(d)
any history of mental ill health:
(e)
any additional matter specified in writing by the chief executive as a matter to be taken into account when conducting a risk assessment under regulation 43B.
43D When risk category is assigned
A risk category is assigned to a remand prisoner once all of the following steps have been completed:
(a)
a risk assessment has been undertaken of the prisoner in accordance with regulation 43C; and
(b)
the staff member undertaking the risk assessment has notified the chief executive or the prison manager of the risk category that, in the staff member’s opinion, ought to be assigned to the remand prisoner; and
(c)
the chief executive or prison manager has decided whether the risk category recommended under paragraph (b) is appropriate and—
(i)
has approved that recommended category as the risk category assigned to the remand prisoner; or
(ii)
has assigned a different risk category to the remand prisoner.
43E Duty to notify remand prisoner of risk category assigned
After a risk category has been assigned under regulation 43D, the prison manager must as soon as is reasonably practicable provide the remand prisoner with written notice of—
(a)
the risk category assigned to the remand prisoner; and
(b)
the reasons for assigning that risk category to the remand prisoner.
43F Duty to review risk category
The risk category assigned to a remand prisoner must be reviewed by a staff member (as defined in section 3(1) of the Act),—
(a)
in the case of a remand prisoner who has been assessed as being a lower-risk category prisoner, within 7 days of any significant change in the prisoner’s circumstances that could impact the risk category assigned to them:
(b)
in the case of a remand prisoner who has been assessed as being a higher-risk category prisoner,—
(i)
within 6 months after the date on which the risk category was assigned to the remand prisoner and then at intervals not exceeding 6 months after each previous review; and
(ii)
within 7 days after any significant change in the prisoner’s circumstances that could impact the risk category assigned to them.
43G Assessment of risk when risk category reviewed
A staff member conducting a review of a risk category under regulation 43F must, in conducting an assessment of the level of risk posed by the remand prisoner, take into account the matters specified in regulation 43C and the following:
(a)
whether there has been any change in relation to the charges for which the remand prisoner is awaiting trial or sentencing:
(b)
the current state of the remand prisoner’s mental health:
(c)
whether the remand prisoner has co-operated with staff members while in custody on remand:
(d)
whether the remand prisoner has engaged in any misconduct while in custody on remand or has been involved in any reported incidents:
(e)
if the prisoner has a case management plan, whether the remand prisoner has—
(i)
displayed motivation to achieve the objectives set out in the case management plan; and
(ii)
achieved those objectives:
(f)
any additional matter specified in writing by the chief executive as a matter to be taken into account when conducting a review of a risk category under regulation 43F.
43H When review of risk category is completed
(1)
The review of a remand prisoner’s risk category is completed once all of the following steps have been completed:
(a)
a risk assessment has been undertaken under regulation 43F taking into account the matters specified in regulations 43C and 43G; and
(b)
the staff member undertaking the risk assessment has notified the chief executive or prison manager that in their opinion the existing risk category ought to be retained or a different risk category ought to be assigned; and
(c)
the chief executive or prison manager has decided whether the risk category recommended under paragraph (b) is appropriate and—
(i)
has approved that recommended category as the risk category assigned to the remand prisoner; or
(ii)
has assigned a risk category to the remand prisoner that is different from the recommended category.
(2)
If a review of the remand prisoner’s risk category under subclause (1) results in a change to the risk category assigned to the remand prisoner, the prison manager must as soon as is reasonably practicable provide the remand prisoner with written notice of—
(a)
what the risk category assigned to the prisoner has changed to; and
(b)
the reasons for the change.
43I Remand prisoner may apply to chief executive for reconsideration of risk category
(1)
A remand prisoner who is dissatisfied with the risk category for the time being assigned to them may apply to the chief executive for the risk category to be reconsidered.
(2)
Despite subclause (1), a remand prisoner may not apply for a reconsideration of the risk category that applies to them for the time being if that risk category was reconsidered by the chief executive under regulation 43J within the previous 6 months.
43J Reconsideration of risk category
If the chief executive receives an application for the reconsideration under regulation 43I, the chief executive must—
(a)
promptly ensure that the process that was followed in assigning or, as the case requires, most recently reviewing the risk category assigned to the remand prisoner is reviewed; and
(b)
decide whether the remand prisoner’s current risk category is appropriate and—
(i)
confirm that risk category as the appropriate risk category for the prisoner; or
(ii)
assign a different risk category to the prisoner; and
(c)
provide written notice to the remand prisoner of the decision on the application as soon as is reasonably practicable after making the decision.
43K Duties of person undertaking assignment, review, or reconsideration of risk category
A person who is undertaking the assignment, review, or reconsideration of a remand prisoner’s risk category must—
(a)
be given access to the remand prisoner’s file; and
(b)
take into account any relevant information in any form that is readily available to the person; and
(c)
record in writing the person’s recommendation or decision and the reasons for it.
Schedule 1 Schedule 1AA replaced
Schedule 1AA Transitional, savings, and related provisions
s 3A
Part 1 Provisions relating to Corrections Amendment Regulations 2025
1 Interpretation
In this Part,—
amendment regulations means the Corrections Amendment Regulations 2025
updated requirements,—
(a)
in relation to a cell to which clause 2 or 3 applies, means the requirements of Part C of Schedule 2 as replaced by the amendment regulations that apply to the cell:
(b)
in relation to a cell to which clause 4 or 5 applies, means the requirements of Part E of Schedule 2 as replaced by the amendment regulations that apply to the cell:
(c)
in relation to a cell to which clause 6 applies, means the requirements of Part A of Schedule 6 as replaced by the amendment regulations that apply to the cell.
At-risk cells
2 Compliance with updated requirements for at-risk cells
(1)
This clause applies in relation to an at-risk cell in existence before commencement of this clause.
(2)
Despite regulation 2(1) of the amendment regulations, a cell to which this clause applies need not comply with the updated requirements for the cell until 6 July 2028.
(3)
However, nothing in this clause prevents the at-risk cell from complying with the updated requirements for the cell earlier than 6 July 2028 if, in all the circumstances, it is feasible to do so.
3 Compliance by health centre manager with obligation in regulation 63(4)(c)
Despite regulation 2(1) of the amendment regulations, a health centre manager need not comply with the obligation set out in regulation 63(4)(c) (as inserted by regulation 6 of the amendment regulations) until 6 July 2028.
Cells used for assessment of prisoners’ mental health
4 Compliance with updated requirements for cells used for assessment of prisoners’ mental health
(1)
This clause applies in relation to a cell—
(a)
in existence before the commencement of this clause; and
(b)
used to accommodate prisoners who are subject to a segregation direction made under section 60(1)(b) of the Act.
(2)
Despite regulation 2(1) of the amendment regulations, a cell to which this clause applies need not comply with the updated requirements for the cell until 6 July 2028.
(3)
However, nothing in this clause prevents a cell from complying with the updated requirements for the cell before 6 July 2028 if, in all the circumstances, it is feasible to do so.
5 Compliance by health centre manager with obligation in regulation 61A(1)
Despite regulation 2(1) of the amendment regulations, the health centre manager need not comply with the obligation under regulation 61A(1) (as inserted by regulation 5 of the amendment regulations) until 6 July 2028.
Cells used for penalty of cell confinement
6 Compliance with updated requirements for cells used for penalty of cell confinement
(1)
This clause applies to a cell—
(a)
in existence before the commencement of this clause; and
(b)
used to accommodate prisoners on whom a penalty of cell confinement has been imposed.
(2)
A cell to which this clause applies need not comply with the updated requirements for the cell until 6 July 2028.
(3)
However, nothing in this clause prevents the cell from complying with the updated requirements for the cell before 6 July 2028 if, in all the circumstances, it is feasible to do so.
Risk categories for remand prisoners
7 Risk categories assigned to remand prisoners before commencement of Part 4A
Despite regulation 2(2) of the amendment regulations, nothing prevents a risk category from being assigned to a remand prisoner before 30 September 2028 in accordance with Part 4A (as inserted by regulation 25 of the amendment regulations), or the review or reconsideration of any risk category assigned to a remand prisoner before that date, as if Part 4A applied in respect of the remand prisoner.
Schedule 2 Amendments to Schedule 2 that commence on 30 September 2025
Part B
In Schedule 2, Part B, item relating to privacy screening, delete “consistent with safe custodial management”
.
Part C
In Schedule 2, replace Part C with:
Part C Items and features of cells for prisoners at risk of self-harm
A cut-down knife located outside the cell but in the vicinity of the cell
A window that allows a staff member a complete view of the cell from a vantage point outside the cell door, excluding any area of the cell that is concealed by privacy screening (if the prison manager has decided under regulation 63(6A) that the prisoner is safe to have privacy screening in their cell)
Artificial lighting that is controlled from inside the cell and is capable of being overridden externally, unless the cell has been designed with artificial lighting that is controlled only from outside the cell
Furniture and fittings within the cell that are free from features that could facilitate self-harm (in particular, hanging or garrotting)
Intercom, alarm, or call button
Part E
In Schedule 2, replace Part E with:
Part E Items and features of cells for assessment of prisoners’ mental health
A window that allows a staff member a complete view of the cell from a vantage point outside the cell door, excluding any area of the cell that is concealed by privacy screening (if any) provided in respect of the prisoner under regulation 61(1)(c)
Artificial lighting that is controlled from inside the cell and is capable of being overridden externally, unless the cell has been designed with artificial lighting that is controlled only from outside the cell
Furniture and fittings within the cell that are free from features that could facilitate self-harm (in particular, hanging or garrotting)
Intercom, alarm, or call button
Schedule 3 Amendment to Schedule 6 that commences on 30 September 2025
Part A
In Schedule 6, replace Part A with:
Part A Mandatory items and features
A window that allows a staff member to view the cell from a vantage point outside the cell door, excluding an area of the cell that is concealed by privacy screening
Artificial lighting
Automatic fire detector
Furniture and fittings within the cell that are free from features that could facilitate self-harm (in particular hanging or garrotting)
Heating as appropriate for climatic conditions
Natural lighting
Privacy screening
Raised sleeping platform
Fresh or conditioned air
Rachel Hayward,
Clerk of the Executive Council.
Explanatory note
This note is not part of the regulations but is intended to indicate their general effect.
These regulations amend the Corrections Regulations 2005 (the principal regulations).
Part 1Amendments that come into force on 30 September 2025
Part 1 (regulations 4 to 24), which comes into force on 30 September 2025, amends the principal regulations to make various changes relating to cell requirements, case management plans for prisoners, regulation of prisoner hairstyles and facial hair, mixing of prisoners, use of mechanical restraints, and the use of body-worn cameras by officers.
Regulation 4 amends regulation 61 of the principal regulations, which provides that cells used for the assessment of prisoners’ mental health must, in addition to the features and items described in regulation 57(1) and, as applicable, regulation 58, have the features and contain the items described in Schedule 2. The amendment inserts new regulation 61(1)(c), which provides that in addition to those features and items, the cell must have suitable privacy screening, if the prison manager decides under new regulation 61A that privacy screening is safe to be provided to the prisoner in their cell.
Regulation 5 inserts into the principal regulations new regulation 61A, which requires—
the health centre manager of a prison to recommend to the prison manager whether it is safe for a prisoner to have privacy screening in their cell and whether any measures are necessary to support the prisoner in having the privacy screening; and
the prison manager who receives a recommendation from the health centre manager to decide whether it is safe for the prisoner to have privacy screening, and if so, to ensure it is provided to the prisoner in their cell, along with any measures that are necessary to support the safety of the prisoner in having the privacy screening, and to review their decision if there is a change in the prisoner’s circumstances.
Regulation 6 amends regulation 63 of the principal regulations, which prescribes requirements relating to prisoners at risk of self-harm. The amendments insert new regulation 63(4)(c) and (6A) to (6C), which require—
the health centre manager of a prison to recommend to the prison manager whether the prisoner is safe to have privacy screening in their cell and whether any measures are necessary to support the prisoner in having the privacy screening; and
the prison manager who receives a recommendation from the health centre manager to decide whether it is safe for the prisoner to have privacy screening, and if so, to ensure it is provided to the prisoner in their cell, along with any measures that are necessary to support the safety of the prisoner in having the privacy screening, and to review their decision if there is a change in the prisoner’s circumstances.
Regulation 7 inserts new regulation 65AAA and a new cross-heading into the principal regulations. New regulation 65AAA prescribes the classes of prisoners who must have a case management plan under section 51 of the Corrections Act 2004 (the Act) and matters that must be included in the plan.
Regulation 8 replaces regulation 70 of the principal regulations, which regulates the appearance of prisoners by prescribing requirements relating to haircuts and the growth or removal of facial hair. New regulation 70(1) provides that a prisoner may keep or adopt a hairstyle of the prisoner’s choice and may grow or retain facial hair. New regulation 70(2) requires the manager of a prison to ensure that tools for maintaining haircuts and grooming or removing facial hair are available to every prisoner, as far as is reasonably practicable, having regard to available resources, safety, and security.
Regulation 9 replaces regulation 84 of the principal regulations, which (subject to specified exceptions) restricts the copying of correspondence to or from a prisoner. The effect of new regulation 84 is to ensure that the same restrictions and exceptions apply to prisoners’ mail that is or contains correspondence.
Regulation 10 replaces regulation 113(2) of the principal regulations, which restricts the recording of visits to a prisoner without approval, to reflect the use of body-worn cameras by officers as provided for in new regulation 129A.
Regulation 11 consequentially amends the heading to Part 9 of the principal regulations to reflect new regulation 129A relating to the use of body-worn cameras.
Regulation 12 amends regulation 125 of the principal regulations, which sets out circumstances in which handcuffs and waist restraints may be used by an officer in addition to the circumstances in section 83(1) of the Act. The amendment inserts new regulation 125(2), which authorises the use of drop pins in conjunction with handcuffs in respect of—
certain prisoners who are at risk or subject to certain segregation directions if specified criteria are met; and
other prisoners if specific criteria are met.
Regulation 13 replaces regulation 127 of the principal regulations, which requires a staff member of a prison who uses a mechanical restraint on a prisoner (other than handcuffs or a waist restraint used in conjunction with handcuffs while escorting a prisoner) to report the use of the restraint to the prison manager. New regulation 127 also excludes reporting on the use of drop pins in conjunction with handcuffs for the purpose of escorting a prisoner where the use is first approved and recorded on the prisoner’s file.
Regulation 14 inserts into the principal regulations new regulation 129A, which authorises the use of body-worn cameras by officers to record sound and visual images when an officer is exercising their powers or performing their functions under section 14 of the Act. New regulation 129A(2) restricts the use of body-worn cameras during strip searches unless an officer believes on reasonable grounds that there is an imminent risk of injury or harm to a person.
Regulation 15 replaces regulation 180 of the principal regulations, which provides that the chief executive of the Department of Corrections (the chief executive) may approve the mixing of young prisoners with adult prisoners if satisfied that it is in the best interests of a young prisoner (or class of young prisoners). The amendment re-enacts the provision with minor changes.
Regulation 16 amends regulation 184 of the principal regulations, which provides that detainees under the Immigration Act 2009 are subject to the same regime as accused prisoners. The amendment is consequential on new regulation 70 and the revocation of regulation 188 relating to the regulation of prisoners’ appearance.
Regulation 17 amends regulation 186 of the principal regulations, which requires accused prisoners to be apart from other prisoners as far as practicable. The main amendment inserts new regulation 186(4A), which allows limited mixing of accused prisoners with other prisoners when accused prisoners are participating in non-offence-based programmes if specified criteria are met.
Regulation 18 revokes regulation 188 of the principal regulations, which provides that the hairstyle and facial hair of a prisoner awaiting trial or during trial may be cut or shaved only to the extent necessary to preserve the appearance of the prisoner at the time of their reception to the prison. The amendment is consequential on the permission conferred by new regulation 70 for prisoners to keep or adopt haircuts of their choice and grow or retain facial hair.
Regulation 19 and Schedule 1 replace Schedule 1AA of the principal regulations, which sets out transitional, savings, and related provisions relating to the Corrections Amendment Regulations 2023 (the 2023 amendment Regulations) so that cells in existence before 6 July 2023 and used to assess prisoners’ mental health or used for the penalty of cell confinement will not be required to have the lighting and privacy features required by the principal regulations as amended by the 2023 amendment regulations until 6 July 2028. New Schedule 1AA replaces those transitional provisions with new transitional provisions that clarify how certain cells in existence before 30 September 2025 must comply with updated cell requirements imposed by these regulations (see regulations 20 to 22 and Schedules 2 and 3). New Schedule 1AA also includes transitional provisions clarifying that a health centre manager need not comply with the obligations under new regulation 61A(1) and 63(4)(c) to make recommendations relating to privacy screening for prisoners segregated for mental health assessment or at-risk prisoners until 6 July 2028.
Regulation 20 and Schedule 2 amend Schedule 2 of the principal regulations, which specifies the items and features of cells for segregated prisoners and prisoners at risk of self-harm. The amendments—
adjust Part B of the schedule, which specifies additional items and features of cells for certain segregated prisoners, relating to the requirement to provide privacy screening; and
replace Part C of the schedule to update the items and features of cells for prisoners at risk of self-harm; and
replace Part E of the schedule to update the items and features of cells for assessment of prisoners’ mental health.
Regulation 21 amends Schedule 3 of the principal regulations, which specifies items and features for cells and self-care units, to adjust the requirements relating to privacy screening.
Regulation 22 amends Schedule 5 of the principal regulations, which authorises, and specifies requirements relating to, the use of mechanical restraints to restrain a prisoner. The effect of the amendments is to provide that, subject to new regulation 125(2), a prisoner may not be handcuffed or restrained to a cell grill or a door.
Regulation 23 and Schedule 3 replace Part A of Schedule 6 of the principal regulations to update the mandatory items and features of cells used for the penalty of cell confinement. New Part A of the schedule adjusts privacy screening and artificial lighting requirements.
Regulation 24 amends clause 36 of Schedule 7 of the principal regulations, which provides that, if a penalty is imposed on a prisoner as a result of a disciplinary hearing, the person holding the hearing must promptly record and sign in the punishment book details relating to the offence for which a penalty is imposed and, if the hearing is an appeal, the particulars and result of the appeal. The amendment deletes the reference to the punishment book, but retains the requirement to record the outcome of a disciplinary hearing that results in a penalty being imposed.
Part 2Amendments that commence on 30 September 2028
Part 2 (regulation 25), which comes into force on 30 September 2028, inserts new Part 4A (new regulations 43A to 43K) into the principal regulations. New Part 4A requires the chief executive to ensure that every remand prisoner who is remanded in custody in a corrections prison for a continuous period of 14 days or more undergoes a risk assessment to assess the level of risk to security and safety the prisoner poses and provides for the review and reconsideration of risk categories that are assigned.
Regulatory impact statement
The Department of Corrections produced a regulatory impact statement on 4 March 2025 to help inform the decisions taken by the Government relating to the contents of this instrument.
A copy of this regulatory impact statement can be found at—
Date of notification in Gazette: 1 September 2025.
These regulations are administered by the Department of Corrections.