On June 28 the Minister of Corrections Hon Damien O’Connor congratulated 10 prisoners from Christchurch Men’s and Women’s Prisons on their achievement when he presented them with their Laundry Skill Industry Certificates.
While in Christchurch, he also saw the new Corrections Inmate Employment Flatpack Furniture Assembly operation. Around 12 prisoners are employed assembling bedside cabinets, chests and other furniture. This is one of over 140 prison industries in the country.
Care NZ, the company contracted to deliver drug and alcohol treatment programmes to Rimutaka Prison’s new Drug Treatment Unit, moved to their new site on 1 July to ready the unit for the first group of prisoners who are likely to start the programme in September.
Up to 60 prisoners will be treated at any one time, with 100 prisoners expected to graduate each year. Care NZ already runs successful treatment programmes at Arohata Women’s, Waikeria Men’s, Hawkes Bay and Christchurch Men’s Prisons.
Corrections Minister Hon Damien O’Connor hosted the 2007 Corrective Services Ministers’ Conference on June 27 – a one-day event attended by all eight Australian Corrections Ministers.
Mr O’Connor said Corrections Ministers worked in a challenging environment so the opportunity to meet, exchange ideas, explore issues and enjoy each others’ company would be invaluable.
Several Ministers and delegates enjoyed the opportunity to visit Rimutaka Prison – in particular the Faith-based Unit and the Māori Focus Unit, where they were given a full cultural welcome.
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ISSN 1178-8453