Quick facts
Prison population
Men's prison
High and low security
Remand and sentenced
Units
5 low security units, including Te Ao Marama (Māori Focus Unit).
New high security facility has 4 accommodation units, then 4 units as part of Hikitia Mental Health & Addictions service.
Programmes and training
Trades training for offenders in farming, asset maintenance, café, barista, dairy, distribution, grounds, horticulture, kitchen, laundry.
New Hikitia Mental Health and Addiction Service, offering a range of educational programmes for prisoners in the Waikato region.
Benefits
A welcoming culture, with a pōwhiri for new recruits starting onsite
Multiple wellness initiatives and opportunities available (waka ama, biking, hiking)
A new site is currently being built, which will provide staff amenities such as break out areas, gyms and cafes.
Waikeria has a strong relationship with mana whenua (Ngāti Maniapoto, and Ngāti Raukawa ki Wharepūhunga).
Location
Near Te Awamutu, in the Waikato region of the North Island.
Getting there
Approx 15-minute drive from Te Awamutu, 45-minute drive from Hamilton
No public transport available
What's closeby
Central to many major cities such as Auckland, Tauranga, Taupō and Hamilton.
Waikato is famous for Waitomo underground caves, Hobbiton from Lord of the Rings and Raglan surf beach.
New to the area?
Local to Waikeria are the towns of Te Awamutu, Kihikihi, Otorohanga, Te Kuiti .
Many new sub-divisions are being developed and will continue to be developed in future years, opening up more accommodation opportunities.