Computers and phones in prison cells at the Otago Corrections Facility remain a possibility but there are no firm plans yet.
It was revealed earlier this week the controversial prison in Wiri, South Auckland, run by British private prison operator Serco, would have phones and computers for every standard cell in the $270 million, 960-man facility.
Corrections Minister Sam Lotu-Iiga backed the proposal, saying he would like to see it enacted in all New Zealand prisons.
When asked by the Otago Daily Times about the likelihood of a similar set-up for the Otago Corrections Facility, Corrections chief executive Ray Smith said it was in the offing, but no plans were set.
''Improved use of technology is something that I'd like to see in use across the whole Corrections prison estate,'' he said.
''The innovations and ways of operating that Serco will be implementing in the Auckland South Corrections Facility will help reduce reoffending by prisoners on release and that's something I strongly support.
''Before any prison-by-prison rollout we'll evaluate how this technology has contributed to reduced reoffending and how best we can use it,'' Mr Smith said.
The Otago Corrections Facility was controversial when it was built because of its $218 million price tag and chattels, which included flat-screen televisions in some areas and underfloor heating.
The prison was dubbed the ''Milton Hilton'' because of its perceived excess.
Serco Asia-Pacific operations manager Scott McNairn told The New Zealand Herald the installation of computers and phones in the Wiri prison was part of a ''responsible-prisoner'' approach which would better equip prisoners for life outside prison.
