Longer than some of the worst criminals, Wanganui Prison Administration Team Leader Wendall Hart has notched up over 40 years with the Public Prisons Service.
The Wanganui born and bred administrator joined Corrections in 1966 as a 20-year-old clerical cadet at the now-closed Waikune Prison at National Park.
“I remember going there for the interview. My Dad brought up three kids on his own and he took me up there in his old Mark I Consul. A neighbour kindly made me some sandwiches to take,” says Wendall.
Wendall got the job and never looked back, working at the old Wanganui City Prison and then Waikeria Prison in 1976 after a year off on his OE. It was then back to Waikune for a year before moving to the then newly built prison at Kaitoke in 1978. Wendall’s been there ever since.
So how’s he done such a long lag? “I just think it’s the contact with the people, the staff, the medical staff, civilians, managers and on the other side, the prisoners.
The job has always held surprises which keeps things interesting. I still enjoy it.” “I wake up ready to work every morning.
When I turned 60 last year people said to me I was going to retire. But nah, what’s the point? I still feel the same as I did when I was 30, 40 and 50.”
“I’ve got a great team and we enjoy each other’s company and a laugh. They’ve all got a sense of humour, you have to have working here.”
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ISSN 1178-8453