The issue that I have chosen to focus on is the reoffending rates. In New Zealand, the re-offending rates are high. In a survey conducted by The Department of Corrections, across an entire sample of released offenders, roughly ⅓ of these individuals had been sent to prison for the first time. For these first-time individuals, the re-imprisonment rate is 30%. Whereas on the other hand, the reimprisonment rate of the remainder ⅔ of the individuals mentioned - the recidivists - is 60%. In New Zealand, recidivists are likely to be involved in an endless cycle of offending, conviction, imprisonment, release, and a return to offending. This harms these individuals, society, and the justice system.  

By providing mandatory rehabilitation to inmates, a more socially and economically sustainable society could be created. It would provide inmates with opportunities to access education and work.