Despite his age of 77, Clive*, a prisoner at Wellington Prison, has a day much like that of any other prisoner.
He is unlocked at 7.00 am, eats breakfast, and goes to his job propagating seeds and caring for plants at the prison nursery at eight o’clock. Although he doesn’t have to work, Clive says he wouldn’t give it up as it passes the time.
The nursery is just outside the main prison gate so he is well supervised and must report to the prison hourly for security purposes.
He picks up his lunch of sandwiches and fruit from the main prison and takes it to the nursery smoko room to eat.
He finishes work at 3.30 pm, has a shower and then eats dinner around 5.00 pm. After this, he usually watches the news, then plays chess or cards with one or two of the other prisoners until his cell is locked at 8.00 pm.
*Not his real name
While older prisoners get no special treatment due to their age,
their health needs are met and they are often given lighter duties,
such as working with seedlings in the prison nursery.
Got a story for Corrections News or want to request the print edition?
Email commdesk@corrections.govt.nz or phone (04) 460 3365.
ISSN 1178-8453