Budget 2026 builds on the Government's back-to-basics approach to law and order by investing a total of $1.3 billion in policing, corrections and other law and order agencies, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith and Police Minister Mark Mitchell say.
“This includes $391 million to support frontline policing, $512 million for Corrections and $224 million for the Ministry of Justice,” Paul Goldsmith says.
“The total is a mixture of funding for frontline staff and the infrastructure they need to do their jobs and protect Kiwis.
“Public safety is one of the Government’s most important responsibilities.”
Mark Mitchell says the Budget funds the replacement of both the Greymouth Police Station and Custody Facility and the Whanganui Police Station.
“The current stations have significant property issues and are challenging to work from. Providing Police officers with safe, modern, resilient stations will ensure they can continue to provide the best service possible to their communities.
“The Budget also funds the replacement of Police's Automated Biometric Identification System which is near end of life.
“The biometric system is fundamental to core policing. It allows officers to identify offenders using fingerprints, and link them to specific crime scenes, incidents, and criminal histories.
“Investing in new technology with modernised features will provide a more effective and efficient system, delivering faster outcomes for victims and improved public safety.”
The Budget also provides additional funding to Pasifika Wardens, Neighbourhood Support New Zealand, and Community Patrols New Zealand.
“These groups play a significant role in helping to deter crime and reduce demand on frontline Police,” Mark Mitchell says.
“At the same time, and for the third consecutive Budget, this Government is backing Corrections with the resources needed to keep staff and communities safe.
“The Budget provides $487 million to address prison population pressures including funding to employ hundreds of extra prison officers.
“As New Zealand's prison population hits new peaks, the Government is investing to keep staff and prisoners safe.”
Paul Goldsmith says the $100 million contribution to the construction of two new courthouses in Rotorua announced yesterday will provide safer, more secure facilities for everyone using the courts.
“Victims, jurors, witnesses, and defendants should not all be forced to use the same entrances.”