You must ensure you understand and follow all prison procedures and requirements for visiting (i.e what to take, visiting times, etc.). If you don’t you will not be permitted to visit. To avoid disappointment, we strongly advise you check these details with the prison you intend to visit.

We are currently developing a leaflet with the following information. We may change this information. If you find a mistake or have further information, please contact us. Last updated: 22 Oct 2007

VISITING

The Prison Manager must approve all visitors before they can visit with a prisoner. Separate approval must be gained for each prisoner.

A. Becoming an approved visitor

1. Fill out an “Approved Visitor Form” which can be obtained from a prison or a form can be downloaded at www.civilrightsdefence.org.nz/visitor
2. Photocopy your photo identification, either your drivers liscence or passport. Prison staff can photocopy your ID for you.
3. Hand the completed form and photo into the prison staff or mail the filled out form and photocopied ID to the prison. (Addresses are on back of this leaflet and can be found at www.civilrightsdefence.org.nz/prisons)
4. Your application will be assessed by prison staff within 5-7 working days. You may be able to find out sooner if you regularly contact the prison.
5. You will be notified by mail whether you have been approved or not.

• Visitors who have pending charges and/or have had a conviction in the last two years may be declined.
• If your application is declined you may apply to the Chief Executive of the Department of Corrections for a review of that decision. (Contact information coming soon.)

For more information on the visitor approval procedure please visit: http://www.corrections.govt.nz/public/apps/locateafacility/visitorinfo.h...

B. How to book a Visit

1. You must be an approved visitor (see above)
2. Write a letter to the prisoner telling them that you would like to visit them
3. The prisoner will book a time with prison staff during visiting hours (see back page)

• If you simply turn up to the prison you will be turned away.
• Arrangements to visit outside of the normal prison visiting hours may be possible under special circumstances. Contact the prison.

C. Visiting a prisoner

1. Your visit must be booked by the prisoner (see above). If you simply turn up to the prison you will be turned away.
2. You will be asked to produce the authorisation letter from the prison and a form of photo identification
3. You, your possesions and car may be searched. If you do not agree to these searches you will not be allowed to visit the prisoner.

For more information of on visiting a prisoner visit http://www.corrections.govt.nz/public/apps/locateafacility/visitorinfo.html

• Inmates can have at least one visit each week for a minimum of half an hour but usually longer, within prison visiting times.
• A prisoner may have a maximum of three adults and three children visiting at one time. The Auckland Region Women’s Correction Facility has a whanau room for larger numbers of visitors which must be booked by the prisoner in advance.
• A visitor is not allowed to pass any item on to a prisoner that has not been approved; this includes food.
• Some items are prohibited; these include drugs, cell phones, alcohol and offensive weapons. If you have any of these on you or in your vehicle you must inform the prison staff.

WRITING LETTERS

• Prisoners may send and receive as much mail as they wish. Be aware that all mail to and from a prisoner may be read and checked for illegal enclosures.
• Mail is deemed to be written letters and paper articles; no other items may be sent through the mail. (To send other items to the prisoner, see SENDING PROPERTY)
• MONEY: You can also send cheques through the mail, but they must be made out to the prison trust account (more information coming), including the name of the inmate, and they take the normal 5 working days to clear.
• You may be able to mail books. More information coming.

CALLING A PRISONER

Prisoners are not allowed to receive phonecalls, but they can call you using a phonecard (which must be a Telecom phone card in Auckland). However, you can phone the prison and leave a message.

1. You will need to send a letter with your name and phone number to the prisoner. They can’t call 0800 numbers or cellphones.
2. You will receive a phone call from a prison officer asking for you, you must confirm your name and if the prisoner is allowed to call you on that number.
3. When you receive a phone call from the prisoner, a prison officer will first say that the prisoner is calling and ask if you will accept the call.

• Prisoners are locked down at times during the day, but otherwise they may call as many times between 9 and 4 as long as the phones aren’t already being used.
• It is unconfirmed, but prisoners possible may only be allowed a list with 10 approved numbers

TAKING IN PROPERTY AND MONEY

Books, phone cards, money, newspapers, pens and paper

1. Anyone - including those who are not authorised visitors - may drop off these items at certain times in the week (see below).
2. Everything you take must be handed to the officer in the Receiving Room as you enter the prison in Auckland and to reception at the Auckland Women’s Remand.
3. You will be asked for the prisoners FULL NAME otherwise you won’t be able to give them anything.

• You will not get to see the prisoner when you drop items off
• Pre-approved items can be brought in when visiting a prisoner.
• BOOKS: At Mount Eden prison 3-5 books can be delivered at ont time. Prisoners are allowed up to 12 books in their cell at any one time.
• MONEY: Each prisoner has a prison bank account in which they can have up to $200 at any one time (may only be $100 in Wellington); they are only allowed to spend up to $60 per week at the Auckland Women’s Remand. This fund is for the prisoners to purchase items such as phone cards, cigarettes, toiletries, confectionary and magazines
• MONEY: You can also send cheques through the mail, but they must be made out to the prison trust account (P119) more information coming), including the name of the inmate, and they take the normal 5 working days to clear.
• MONEY: At Mt Eden the shop is only open on Mondays.
* MAGAZINES: Auckland womens Remand have a limit of up to 5 magazines (per visitor)
* PHONE CARDS: Phone cards must be from Telecom in Auckland, there may also be a limit to the amount of money on the card. Prisoners can purchase cards in the prison.
* At Mt Eden, we were told we didn’t need to give writing pads and pens (and envelopes) because they would be supplied with them by the prison. Keep in mind however, that at the Auckland Women’s Remand they only get given one piece of paper a day.

Auckland Womens Remand incomplete information

Monday - Friday
Unlocked between 8-8.30,
Access to phones from 9-11
Lunch/Lockdown period from 11-1
Unlocked 1-4.30

Complete timetables for dropping off property will be added soon.

Other items

1. Other items must be requested by the prisoner via a “Property Request Form” and be approved by the prison management
2. These forms must be presented at reception when the items arrive.
3. You will be asked for the prisoners FULL NAME otherwise you won’t be able to give them anything.

• Prisons usually allow the following with approval: a 14” television, a tapedeck/discman/walkman or radio with non-detachable speakers, photographs and various hobby materials

A list of prohibited items for prisoners can be found at:
http://www.corrections.govt.nz/public/policyandlegislation/ppm/sectionb/...