Otorohanga still hoping for Waikeria prison expansionSTUFF There has been basic earthworks done at Waikeria Prison after initially having been given the go-ahead for an expansion under the National Government. Preparatory work has begun at the Waikeria prison site in the King Country, even though the Government has still not decided if it will go ahead with the expansion. READ MORE:* Roundabout that leads back to prison roster* $1 billion prison expansion entering final stages of approval* Otorohanga had big plans for Waikeria Prison expansion* Waikeria Prison expansion to have 'massive impact' on Waikato* Health bosses plan for Waikeria Prison growthThe National Government's immediate plans were for a $1 billion spend on 1800 new prison beds. These included a 1500-bed expansion at Waikeria, extra beds at Northland's Ngawha Prison, and a new 245-bed block at Mt Eden Corrections Facility. It's thought the Government will want to announce a decision on the prison expansion before Budget 2018 on May 17.

Source: Stuff April 21, 2018 23:26 UTC