PFNZ Hawke's Bay celebrates 10 years of volunteering

On 17 August the Hastings District Council hosted a civic reception for the Prison Fellowship Hawke’s Bay. This was attended by some 60 volunteers and PFNZ national staff.

Mayor Lawrence Yule began by welcoming the volunteers and thanking them for their selfless community contribution and tireless service. This was followed by a mihi from Senior Prison Chaplain John Flavell.

In his address Robin Gunston, the newly appointed PFNZ National Director, challenged the District Council to consider making Hawke’s Bay Prison, its staff and the released prisoners, a more integral part of the community. He also asked the Council to consider the prison more in its community planning.

Prison Fellowship Hawke’s Bay is one of the longest serving PFNZ regional committees and has a proud history of successful and well-organised prison engagement.

In appreciation of the committee’s work, Hawkes Bay Regional Prison Manager George Massingham, commented on the value he places on the excellent way in which the many PFNZ volunteers and the prison chaplains work together. He expressed his desire to continue this relationship and bring new services to prisoners, particularly those which encourage purposeful activity.