Prisoners have gained almost double the number of New Zealand Qualification accreditations in the past two months than expected.
The Government has made employment and education for prisoners key priorities, which are being implemented by the department as part of a three-year strategy.
The Department of Corrections says prisoners obtained 16,341 credits in July and August, instead of the expected 9303.
Acting national employment manager Robin Benefield says research shows prisoners engaging in education are less likely to re-offend when released.
