To commemorate International Volunteer Day on 5 December, the Department launched its first ever Volunteer Recognition Awards – and the feedback from all quarters suggests the concept was a real winner. 

With the theme of ‘local awards for local volunteers’ nominations for these prestigious awards came from prison staff themselves. Prison Managers were then faced with the difficult task of selecting the final winners, looking for individuals and teams who had made ‘an outstanding contribution to the rehabilitation and welfare of prisoners.’

In Auckland around 160 volunteers joined Corrections managers and staff for celebrations at Alexandra Park. Over supper, those gathered were entertained by flautist Taryn Lunny, a fabulous kapa haka performance led by Teiria Davus and music with a Spanish flavour provided by Jamus and Kimiora Webster. Regional Manager Warren Cummins presented special regional awards to Michael Mulcahy, Ruth Harwood, Ben Dickson and May Mackey who between them have clocked up over a century of prison volunteering. 

In Wellington Regional Manager Paul Monk and General Manager: Rehabilitation Phil McCarthy were among the Corrections managers who joined 80 volunteers for the celebrations, topped off with a barbeque. Winners included Raiha Ellis, a well-respected Kaiwhakamana and the Manaakitanga Team, led by founding member Ann Gartner.

In New Plymouth an award went to Maureen Leslie from PARS who has provided a wide range of support to prisoners, including help with literary needs, for around 13 years.
 
In Wanganui celebrations were tinged with sadness. Winner of the individual award was 84 year old  Morika Davis, who had been providing support to prisoners for 30 years. Morika was joined at the ceremony by her children Principal Corrections Officer Mita Davis and Assistant Chaplain Valma Peneha (both at Wanganui prison) and was thrilled to be presented with a painting created by a prisoner together with her certificate. Sadly, just four days later, Morika passed away. Our condolences go to her family.

Congratulations to all our award winners and nominees for 2008!

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