Plans to double the size of Paremoremo maximum-security prison are meeting resistance from local residents and prison officers. Neighbors report existing infrastructure, including roads and wastewater systems, are already inadequate and unable to handle increased capacity. Simultaneously, prison officers are voicing concerns over chronic understaffing, claiming it actively compromises the facility's security. This dual pressure – external infrastructure limitations and internal operational weaknesses – casts doubt on the feasibility of the proposed expansion. Critics argue that addressing these existing issues should precede any consideration of increasing prisoner numbers. The fast-track nature of the bid is also raising alarm, with opponents suggesting insufficient community consultation and a lack of transparent planning. Concerns centre around quality of life for residents and safety within the prison itself.