Prisoners will have to start paying for television access under a new scheme to prevent weapons and contraband being hidden in cells.
Corrections Minister Anne Tolley said clear, plastic-cased televisions, which will allow officers to detect any hidden objects, will be available for rent for $2 per week. Personal television sets will be removed.
The scheme is expected to pay for itself within three years. Savings and any profits would be used to develop two prison education channels.
The scheme will start at Christchurch men's prison in November and rolled out to other prisons in the following year.
