Mt Eden Prison to be reviewed after 'significant changes and challenges'

New Zealand’s Department of Corrections has announced a comprehensive review of Mt Eden Prison, the nation’s second-largest correctional facility, citing “significant changes and challenges” faced in recent years. The decision follows a string of incidents, including allegations of corruption among staff and inmates, multiple homicides, and concerns over the management of remand prisoners. Deputy Commissioner of Northern Men’s Prisons Liz Hawthorn confirmed the review would focus on ensuring the safe and secure operation of the facility. Mt Eden Corrections Facility is unique in New Zealand as the only prison dedicated exclusively to remand prisoners, those awaiting trial or sentencing. However, the Corrections system has traditionally been structured to manage sentenced prisoners, creating a mismatch in operational strategies. This shift has led to increased pressures on staffing and infrastructure, particularly given the prison’s growing population and the transient nature of remand prisoners, who often stay for shorter periods and move in and out of custody frequently. Hawthorn noted that remand prisoners typically require higher levels of security and have more complex needs compared to sentenced prisoners. The rapid turnover of inmates exacerbates these challenges, straining resources and requiring continuous adaptation of policies and procedures. As part of the review, Corrections aims to analyze the current operations at Mt Eden and identify areas for improvement to enhance safety for both staff and prisoners. The announcement of the review coincides with a broader police investigation into alleged corruption within several prisons, including Mt Eden. Known as Operation Jasper, the inquiry began in July 2025 and uncovered evidence suggesting that some Corrections officers, along with reintegration officers and members of the public linked to prisoners, were involved in smuggling contraband such as mobile phones, drugs, tobacco, and other illicit items into the facility. Detective Inspector Colin Parmenter of the National Organised Crime Group stated that the phones were believed to have been used by inmates to facilitate ongoing drug-related activities from within the prison. In addition to the corruption probe, the prison has been the site of multiple violent incidents. In December, Johnathan Peter Trubuhovich died 10 days after reportedly being assaulted by his cellmate at Mt Eden. His death followed that of another inmate in June, and both victims were known to mental health services. One had recently been under a compulsory treatment order in Whangārei and was in custody after breaching bail, while the accused in Trubuhovich’s case had a documented history with mental health services. These deaths occurred less than a year after the killing of Andrew Chan Chui, whose cellmate was later charged with his murder. Following Trubuhovich’s death, Corrections initiated a review of the SACRA tool, which assesses whether prisoners are suitable for placement in shared cells. The tool identifies key risk factors and triggers a “Not to Double Bunk” (NTDB) alert if an individual is deemed unsuitable for double-bunking. The review comes amid heightened scrutiny of how risks are assessed and managed within the prison environment. The combination of operational strain, security breaches, and tragic fatalities has prompted Corrections to take a closer look at the functioning of Mt Eden. While the review does not indicate immediate changes to policy or personnel, it signals a recognition of the need for systemic adjustments to address the evolving demands of managing a remand-focused facility. The findings of the review are expected to inform future strategies aimed at improving conditions, reducing risks, and enhancing the overall effectiveness of the corrections system at Mt Eden.