On 17 October 2025, I received a formal written response from Hon Mark Mitchell, Minister of Corrections, regarding my correspondence and petition about the Persons of Extreme Risk Directorate (PERD) and the Prisoners of Extreme Risk Unit (PERU).

The Minister acknowledged my concerns and confirmed that while he does not intervene in operational matters, he expects all individuals held within the PERU to be treated safely and humanely. He also confirmed that the Department of Corrections released a public consultation in February 2025 proposing amendments to the Corrections Act 2004 to formalise aspects of the PERD framework and to increase transparency in the management of prisoners considered to pose an “extreme threat.”

While I appreciate this acknowledgment, the response highlights the need for continued public oversight to ensure any legislative or operational changes remain consistent with New Zealand’s human rights obligations, including the Mandela Rules and OPCAT principles.

This update reinforces the importance of independent review and community advocacy to ensure the PERD framework does not erode lawful standards of treatment or accountability within the prison system.