Prisoners denied basic right to an hour of exercise

18/12/2025 9 min
Prisoners denied basic right to an hour of exercise

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Episode Synopsis


The boss of Corrections has repeatedly broken the law by denying prisoners their basic right to an hour of exercise outside their cells every day, according to High Court ruling. It ordered chief executive, Jeremy Lightfoot to comply or risk being in contempt of court which could result in a fine or jail. Auckland prison inmates complained they've frequently been denied their daily hour of exercise, while Corrections argued staff shortages, safety constraints and a lack of facilities prevented exercise unlocks. Correction's Commissioner of Custodial Services, Leigh Marsh spoke to Lisa Owen.