Talk over the fate of Waikeria prison are prompting more philosophical debates around incarceration.

Corrections Minister Kelvin Davis will today announce what's going to happen to the ageing prison.

Labour's Stuart Nash told Mike Hosking whatever the decision, there needs to be discussion over whether jail is the right place for all criminals.

"There are people who absolutely belong in jail and we are not going to let violent people out onto our streets, that is just the wrong thing to do but I do think there needs to be a level of justice reform, I think we all acknowledge that."

However, National's Mark Mitchell says it's important to not underestimate the harm that certain crimes have - even if they're non-violent offences.

"As a society, if we start sending the signal saying "you will get a slap on the wrist with a wet bus ticket" you watch the increase in offending."

LISTEN ABOVE AS STUART NASH AND MARK MITCHELL SPEAK WITH MIKE HOSKING