After many years of dedicated service, Mike has retired from his position as Corrections Inmate Employment (CIE) tailoring workshop instructor at Kia Marama, Rolleston Prison’s special treatment unit for men who sexually offend against children.
Mike left the private sector wanting to make a difference and joined the Kia Marama team to teach industrial sewing to prisoners, many of whom had never sewn before. Kia Marama is a therapeutic community requiring men to ‘live’ what they learn during the programme, so Mike’s role was to help prisoners rehabilitate through work producing clothing such as jackets, overalls and vests for Corrections and external clients.
Kia Marama Principal Psychologist Bronwyn Rutherford says Mike was a very supportive member of Kia Marama’s therapeutic community. “The standards Mike set for the men helped them change - he expected respect and pulled them up on their behaviour when it wasn’t consistent with the treatment programme, and he helped them think about their employment goals - all important factors in Corrections’ aim of reducing re-offending.”
Chief Executive of the Apparel & Textile Industry Training Organisation (ATITO) John Dorgan says Mike’s support of training initiatives and also his experience in the field was invaluable. “Many people may not appreciate that Mike trained and served as a tailor in London’s Saville Row in London. These tailors are considered to be among the very best in the world.
“Mike was a major contributor to the ATITO programme developed to support CIE training. The men have been fortunate to have the encouragement and support of such a highly skilled tutor.”
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ISSN 1178-8453