Protect Family Contact, Legal Rights, and Fair Treatment for Individuals Held in PERU under TNOC/PERD Classifications (New Zealand)

Families and children are being deeply affected by the conditions faced by individuals held in the Prisoners of Extreme Risk Unit (PERU) in New Zealand.

We are calling for fair, humane, and lawful treatment — particularly around family contact, legal communication, healthcare, and access to rehabilitation.

We, the undersigned, are raising concerns about the treatment of individuals held under Transnational Organised Crime (TNOC) and PERD-related classifications, including those placed in PERU.

This petition does not challenge court outcomes. It focuses on how these classifications and placements are applied in practice, and the impact on individuals and their families.

There are concerns about the conditions experienced by individuals held in PERU, including:

• Highly restrictive environments beyond standard prison conditions  
• Inconsistencies in access to communication and visits  
• Limitations that may not always reflect individual risk or circumstances  

While PERU is intended for high-risk management, there are concerns that the level of restriction may, in practice, exceed what is proportionate.

All individuals in custody retain fundamental rights, including:

• The right to confidential communication with legal representatives  
• The right to timely and appropriate healthcare  
• The right to have concerns and complaints properly addressed  

Concerns have been raised about:
• Handling of legal calls and legal correspondence  
• Delays or failures in processing medical information  
• Access to treatment, including medication and dental care  

These issues require clear oversight and accountability.

There are concerns that restrictions associated with TNOC classifications and PERU placement may limit access to rehabilitation programmes, courses, and reintegration opportunities.

Without access to these programmes, individuals may struggle to demonstrate progress required for parole.

Families have expressed concern that this creates barriers to reintegration that are outside the individual’s control, prolonging separation and impacting their ability to return home.

We call for:

1. Fair and consistent access to family contact, including child-friendly visitation conditions  
2. Protection of confidential legal communication  
3. Timely and appropriate access to healthcare  
4. Improved transparency and accountability in complaint processes  
5. Review of how PERU, TNOC, and PERD-related classifications are applied in practice  
6. Consideration of the impact of these conditions on families and children  

We ask for independent oversight and clear accountability to ensure these standards are upheld.

These concerns are particularly important at a time where legislative and policy developments relating to prison management and high-security classifications are being considered.

It is essential that any such developments take into account the real-world impact of these conditions on individuals and their families.