9. JONATHAN YOUNG (National—New Plymouth) Link to this
to the Minister of Corrections
What progress has been made towards the implementation of the smoking ban in New Zealand prisons?
Hon JUDITH COLLINS (Minister of Corrections) Link to this
I am pleased to report that 3 months out from the smoking ban being implemented in prisons more than 1,800 prisoners have started using patches and lozenges to help them to stop smoking. Five voluntary non-smoking units have been established at sites across the country, allowing prisoners to quit their habit away from the proximity of smokers. Not only are prisoners giving up but the staff are joining them. Some staff are receiving nicotine replacement therapy directly through Quitline, and 166 officers have received treatment through assessment clinics set up in prisons. The department is working very closely with the Quit Group and the Ministry of Health to prepare for the ban, which takes effect on 1 July.
Hon JUDITH COLLINS Link to this
Many. Smoking in prisons represents a very real risk to both staff and prisoners, particularly from passive smoking. The level of second-hand smoke and toxins is up to 12 times higher in prisons than in the homes of smokers. In the past, prisoners have used lighters to melt items such as toothbrushes, to make dangerous weapons. Prisoners also roll up balls of toilet paper, light them, and throw them at staff. The risk posed by lighters and matches was clearly illustrated last month when two corrections officers at Christchurch Women’s Prison received burns when rescuing a prisoner after she deliberately set fire to her mattress with a cigarette lighter. Over the past year there have been around 50 incidents of fire or arson in New Zealand prisons. Banning smoking will reduce all of these risks and improve the health and safety of our hard-working and excellent corrections staff.