Last year I carried out my first task as Chief Executive when I joined staff and prisoners at Waikeria Prison for their Christmas lunch. I was surprised to learn that the lunch of chicken and vegetables was the same across all New Zealand’s prisons. I’ve learnt a lot more since that day and as I reach my one year anniversary, I’d like to take this opportunity to look back at 2011.
One highlight has been the introduction of smokefree prisons. We are the first country in the world to have smokefree prisons. Apart from the health and economic benefits this brings to both prisoners and staff, it has also made prisons a safer place to be, as evidenced by the significant drop in intentionally lit fires since the ban was imposed.
In 2011 we opened several new rehabilitation units, including drug treatment units, mothers with babies units and the Whare Oranga Ake units, which are run by external providers according to kaupapa Maori values and stand outside the prison perimeter.
The Community Probation Services’ change programme made significant progress with the implementation of the integrated practice framework and the upcoming modernisation project will help us manage and monitor offenders in the community more effectively.
Other successes include the use of audio-visual technology in Courts and record numbers of prisoners being engaged in employment and education. We had the lowest ever number of escapes and the lowest ever positive drug tests.
Of course, the tragic Christchurch earthquake was the biggest event of 2011, affecting hundreds of our staff, offenders and their families. I was overwhelmed at how our people responded to this disaster. Not only did they support each other and the local community, but there has been ongoing, practical support to this day, with prisoners being given the skills that will be needed most as we move to rebuild Christchurch.
You can read more about our progress in Corrections’ 2010/2011 Annual Report, which is available online. Go to www.corrections.govt.nz
It’s been a year of great highs accompanied by major challenges. My thanks to the Corrections staff and to all those we work with every day. Merry Christmas to you all and I look forward to an exciting 2012.
Ray Smith
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