Constructive activities for prisoners at the Otago Corrections Facility in Milton have declined since the Covid-19 pandemic. Photo: Allied MediaCreative and social programmes for prisoners have fallen by two-thirds following the Covid-19 pandemic, sparking concerns for prisoners’ wellbeing and rehabilitation. Documents released under the Official Information Act (OIA) show of about 20 constructive activities offered at the Otago Corrections Facility (OCF) near Milton over the past decade, only six remain active. Opportunities for Otago prisoners to engage in constructive activities such as knitting and drama have dropped sharply in the wake of the outbreak and the withdrawal of external providers. These included offence-focused programmes, educational opportunities, vocational and employment training, health services, mental health and addiction programmes, cultural support services, motivational programmes and intensive residential programmes.

Source: Otago Daily Times February 14, 2026 15:51 UTC