Manager Jack Harrison said on Friday it had been a challenging two years and he was happy with the prison's performance.
In the first two years, about 3000 prisoners had been received.
"If we were in the hotel business, or the health sector, we'd say we've had around 200,000 bed nights over the two years. It's pleasing to come through those sorts of numbers with a good track record."
Having a modern prison in the area had also enhanced public safety and provided a facility where offenders could be dealt with locally.
The Otago facility, and prisons around the country, still had big challenges ahead but the quality of staff gave him every confidence those challenges would be met.
Mr Harrison will address members of the Clutha branch of the Otago Chamber of Commerce in Balclutha tonight to talk about the prison's first two years.
