Follow the podcast on
Correction's top boss claims staff couldn't have stopped a remand prisoner being picked up with three people in the car.
The man was collected at Auckland's Mount Eden Prison and driven to his bail address in upper Waikato.
He later tested positive for Covid and has passed the virus onto four household members.
The Corrections Minister says the court rules were for one, specified family member to pick him up, but Parliament's heard the carload stopped four times on the way.
But Corrections Chief custodial officer, Neil Beales, says they have no say on who's allowed ins a private car.
He says they are interested in the person specified to pick them up - but they can't stop a mother, brother or friend from sitting in the back.
LISTEN ABOVE
Take your Radio, Podcasts and Music with you