Life-Sentence Inmate Challenges Corrections Policy Over Reduced Phone Access

Life-sentence inmate Anna Browne has launched a judicial review against a Department of Corrections policy that slashed daily phone time from three hours to 30 minutes.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 24, 2026, 10:21 AM EDT

Source: RNZ Pacific

The Argument for Whānau Connectivity

Browne's lawyer, Tom Powell, argued that the 30-minute limit severely disrupts the inmate's ability to maintain relationships with her partner, six children, and seven grandchildren. Powell submitted that Browne continues to parent from prison, providing guidance that is essential for her children's well-being. The legal challenge posits that the policy disproportionately affects Māori inmates, citing statistics that show 60% of Māori in prison have children. Furthermore, in the year ending June 30, 2018, approximately 9,400 children had a Māori parent in prison at some stage.

Corrections Cites Fairness and Safety

Representing the Department of Corrections, Genevieve Taylor argued that the cap was a necessary measure to ensure "fair distribution of access." Before the policy change, prison managers noted that a small minority of inmates—including Browne, who was identified as one of the top 10 users in her facility—were monopolizing phones. This often left other prisoners with little to no access during the limited "unlock" hours, which can be as low as two to four hours a day in some units. Corrections also previously claimed that excessive phone use led to "standover tactics" and violence, though Browne’s counsel disputes the lack of documented evidence for these specific claims.

Legal and Statutory Requirements

The court heard that while the daily limit has been significantly reduced, it still far exceeds the minimum statutory requirement. Under current New Zealand law, Parliament directs that prisoners must have access to a phone for at least five minutes per week. Taylor argued that the 30-minute daily allowance is a reasonable compromise that balances individual desires for long calls with the logistical reality of shared infrastructure. The Department maintained that the move was actually designed to protect whānau connections for the broader prison population who were previously being excluded by "super-users."