Waikeria Prison Redevelopment Completion
Hanlon Marks Completion of Major Role in Waikeria Prision Redevelopment
After six years of sustained commitment, Hanlon proudly acknowledges its significant contributions to the successful completion of the Waikeria Prision Development - a cornerstone project in strengthening New Zealand's corrections infrastructure.
The newly unveiled facility adds substantial capacity and modern amenities to Waikeria Prison, located in the Waikato region. The redevelopment incorporates 500 high-security beds along with a dedicated 96-bed mental health and addiction unit. Spread across 28 buildings on 21 hectares, the complex also features an education and rehabilitation hub with 10 classrooms, a fully equipped commercial kitchen, medical centre, visitation spaces, and recreation areas including gym and sports courts.
Hanlon's environment, drainage, and plumbing divisions have played vital roles throughout the project. Over the last six years, our teams have executed top-tier mechanical services, including intricate piped drainage systems, robust sanitation infrastructure, and all plumbing fitouts across residential units, communal areas, and support facilities. Working alongside CPB contractors, Pacific Partnerships, Department of Corrections, VAE, AE Smith, and other specialist contractors, Hanlon ensured full integration with environmental compliance, water treatment processes, and waste management strategies.
Beyond the functional infrastructure, careful planning went into sustainability measures and ensuring resilience in a high-security, high-use environment. Hanlon's multi-disciplinary approach delivered solutions that balanced durability with maintainability - critical in a facility designed to support rehabilitation, safety, and community outcomes.
The operational impact is substantial: the expansion will enable Corrections to manage rising prison populations, improve access to mental health support on-site, and reduce off-site movements for essential services. It represents a generational investment in building infrastructure that supports public safety and offender rehabilitation.
Hanlon congratulates every partner, subcontractor, and member of the project team for their dedication and teamwork. We're proud that our environmental, drainage, and plumbing specialists have been core to delivering a facility that meets operational, environmental, and social benchmarks.
Image Credit: Ministry of Justice / WDHB / CPB Contractors