CANZ the largest union in prisons opposes the new rules that allow for drug addicted prisoners to continue using methadone in prisons.

Corrections Association of New Zealand President said ‘CANZ have recently joined the Prison Officers Association of Australasia. At a recent meeting all unions unanimously opposed the introduction of a needle exchange in prisons. CANZ see this new rule change as the first step towards a needle exchange in New Zealand.’

‘CANZ are totally opposed to the ‘sanctioning’ of drug taking in prisons by the softening of such policies.’

I am sure the general public would rather see the extra 1.5 million dollars that has been allocated for this scheme went back into the all ready over stretched health system budget or used to provide better detection equipment in prisons or more programmes to assist addicts whilst in prisons.

‘What better place to come off drugs than prison. We must keep the status quo of weaning addicted prisoners off methadone and introduce relevant programmes and support,’ said Mr Hanlon

This media release was written and authorised by the CANZ National Officers.
Contact Beven Hanlon 0274 380 442
bjandbev@xtra.co.nz