03 May 2024
C179316
Felix Lee
[FYI request #26063 email]
Tēnā koe Felix
Thank you for your email of 11 March 2024 to the Department of Corrections – Ara
Poutama Aotearoa, requesting information shared with the New Zealand Bankers
Association (NZBA) regarding Corrections Bank Accounts Upon Release (BAUR) programme
and the progress of other banks adopting this programme. Your request has been
considered under the Official Information Act 1982 (OIA).
You requested:
1. what was shared with members of NZBA
Please see Appendix One, which contains the presentation that was shared with the NZBA
regarding the BAUR programme.
Please note that certain information has been withheld as it is not considered within scope
of your request.
2. what is the progress with other banks also adopting this process
The BAUR programme (or New Start as it is known at Westpac) is the first of its kind in New
Zealand and ensures people in prison have access to banking at the time they are released,
making it easier for them to reintegrate into the community.
At this stage, Westpac remains the only Bank involved with the BAUR programme.
Westpac has shared information about the BAUR (New Start) initiative at various RBNZ
meetings and other forums, to encourage other banks to consider how they can support
access to banking, as they believe a person should be able to choose which bank they open
an account with.
Having access to appropriate identification is highlighted as the main barrier to opening a
bank account. Corrections is currently launching the Kiwi Access Card programme to all
sites, which al ows people in prison to obtain photo identification. Applications for Kiwi
Access Cards can now be completed online and on request from within prison, eliminating
NATIONAL OFFICE, WELLINGTON
Mayfair House, 44 – 52 The Terrace, Wellington, 6011, Private Box 1206, Wellington 6140,
Phone +64 4 460 3000
www.corrections.govt.nz
Classification: PROTECTED
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the need for escorted outings or temporary releases, and making the process faster,
simpler, and less costly. More information on this project is available in Corrections 2022/23
Annual Report (pg. 94).
Westpac has advised that the work Corrections has done to make obtaining a Kiwi Access
Card easier has greatly improved their ability to provide bank accounts prior to release.
Please note that this response may be published on Corrections’ website. Typical y,
responses are published quarterly, or as otherwise determined. Your personal information
including name and contact details will be removed for publication.
I trust the information provided is of assistance. I encourage you to raise any concerns
about this response with Corrections. Alternatively, you are advised of your right to also
raise any concerns with the Office of the Ombudsman. Contact details are: Office of the
Ombudsman, PO Box 10152, Wel ington 6143.
Ngā mihi
Alice Sciascia
Deputy Chief Executive
Strategy and Corporate Services
Classification: PROTECTED
