Kohuora Auckland South Corrections Facility: Celebrating 10 years of impact
Published: 19 May 2025
10 May 2025 marked a decade since the official opening of Kohuora Auckland South Corrections Facility.
A milestone not just in years, but in achievements, partnerships and positive change. From its inception as New Zealand’s first Public Private Partnership (PPP) prison to becoming a nationally recognised leader in rehabilitation innovation, Kohuora has lived up to its name: coming out of the mist into a state of well-being.
The beginning:
Kohuora was officially opened on 10 May 2015 by then Minister of Corrections Sam Loto-Iiga, with the first prisoners arriving shortly after on 18 May. The facility was developed through a 25-year contract between the Department of Corrections and SecureFuture, built around three pou (pillars):
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Maintaining a safe and secure prison
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Reducing reoffending
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Achieving better outcomes for Māori
Before operations began, every part of the facility was carefully prepared. Staff were in place, buildings blessed, keys ceremonially handed over, and even a rugby field marked out. Among the first team members was Prison Director Gerry Smith, who has been with Kohuora since those early days, often reminds us:
“He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tangata, he tangata, he tangata.”
What is the most important thing in the world? It is people, it is people, it is people.
Highlights from a decade of rehabilitation and innovation
Prisoner Olympics
Launched in 2016, the Kohuora Olympics quickly became a cornerstone event. Spanning sports like volleyball, football, boot camp challenges and indoor rowing, the event fosters camaraderie and competition between House Blocks. Held during the emotionally tough holiday season, the Olympics now include a Masters tournament and the coveted Director’s Shield.
Whānau Days
Family connection is key to long term rehabilitation. Whānau Days are joyful occasions featuring kai, games and parenting engagement. Dads who have completed Building Awesome Whānau and Papa Tumeke take part in activities like face painting and team challenges with their children.
Kick for the Seagulls
This 2017 initiative, developed in partnership with Sir Graham Lowe and the Lowie Foundation, uses sport to teach literacy, numeracy and life skills. Many graduates have moved on to further education both inside and after release, thanks to the 12 Principles for Life and Sport.
TradeStart Program
A hands on course for aspiring tradesmen, TradeStart trains participants across a wide range of building disciplines. Over six months, men construct scale model houses, run the workshop to commercial health and safety standards, and build practical skills for the future.
Creative Expression: Kohuora Arts
In 2021, Kohuora made its mark on Auckland’s landscape with Te Ara Whanaunga, a large public sculpture by men in custody, telling stories of Māori creation and cultural identity. This project, visible from State Highway 1, is a lasting reminder of the power of creativity and connection.
Culinary Achievements
In 2018, Kohuora chefs entered the New Zealand National Chef Competition and brought home multiple awards, including bronze medals and commendation certificates. The culinary team has since expanded its repertoire, including baking for International Women’s Day and the ever-popular staff bake sales, featuring everything from custard tarts to mini pizzas.
Tupu Mana Aki Aki
Managing high security prisoners through trust and responsibility, Tupu Mana Aki Aki (launched in 2019) offered participants access to housing, education and employment opportunities. While behavioural transformation is complex, this pilot showed that change is possible, and meaningful direction can be found.
Pasifika Strength: Le Fale o’le Anamua
Established in 2022, this Pasifika focused wing empowers men to reconnect with traditional values and apply them in modern rehabilitation. The wing fosters community, dignity and cultural pride — essential tools for reintegration.
Building a culture of respect and resilience
Tuakana Teina
This “big brother” program pairs younger prisoners with positive role models — mentors who have completed their own rehabilitation journeys. It’s an investment in the future, reducing vulnerability and inspiring hope through shared experience.
Yoga at Kohuora
Yoga sessions have brought unexpected benefits — calmer minds, better sleep and fewer physical complaints. Many participants now explore the deeper philosophy of yoga, helping manage stress and emotional regulation.
Pink Shirt Day
Kohuora is committed to a safe workplace for everyone. Pink Shirt Day sees staff proudly wear pink to stand against bullying and promote kindness, respect and inclusivity — values at the core of our work culture.
Wooden Toy Project
When the Auckland building sector slowed, Kohuora’s Industries team adapted creatively. Using scrap wood, men designed and built beautiful toys — pink hippos, trucks, dragons — which were donated to local community groups and police to support children in need.
Looking forward
From the carved mural Te Whitianga o Te Rā at Mayfair House to the everyday acts of learning, leading and caring inside our walls, Kohuora continues to evolve. We are proud of our people — staff and prisoners alike — who live our kaupapa and make this facility a place of purpose.
As we celebrate 10 years of Kohuora, we honour where we’ve been and look ahead with commitment, compassion and courage.