There's hope, but no firm promises that some Corrections staff will find jobs elsewhere in the country.

The Department of Corrections has announced job cuts at Waikeria, Tongariro/ Rangipo and Rimutaka Prison as old and unfit prison units will be closed. 194 workers who will lose their jobs.

Prisoners are being shifted to Auckland, including the new private prison.

Department of Corrections Chief Executive Ray Smith said yesterday he understands it'll put those affected under a lot of stress as the workers that will bear the brunt of the changes.

Corrections Minister Sam Lotu-Iinga is downplaying that, saying the government is investing in regional areas, and those who can find new jobs will get assistance in relocating.

"By next year we will have invested one hundred and forty million dollars in prison facilities from Invercargill to Whanganui, to New Plymouth and Tongariro," he says.

"That investment is providing jobs and opportunities."

"Last month there were over a hundred vacancies around the country. There are vacancies in Spring Hill and various other prisons across the country, there's hope for redeployment."

Taupo's Mayor, however, is welcoming a drop in the number of jobs set to be lost at the local prison.

In April, the Department of Corrections announced 262 jobs would be axed at three prisons. 67 of those were at Tongariro-Rangipo.

But Mayor David Trewavas says after lengthy talks with the Department, that number's now been more than halved - to just 30.

"They've listened to us," he says, "listened to our concerns and it's wonderful that they've been able to take on board our concerns and minimise the impact locally."

Trewavas says the Rangipo site is closing down because it's no longer fit for purpose, but there's a $15 million investment being made at Tongariro Prison.