1 July, 2003
Pacific community leaders met last Friday with prison management, staff and inmates at Waikeria Prison for the regional launch of The Department's Fautua Pasefika initiative. The three new Fautua Pasefika, Luti and Nightingale Tuipulotu, and Ned Cook were formally welcomed, and the day focused on how the wider Pacific community can become involved in initiatives for Pacific inmates.
Sosefo Bourke, unit manager, says the highlights of the day included the announcement of the three new Fautua Pasefika, and the opportunity to share information with the community.
"The Department needs Pacific people to support and advocate on behalf of the community on matters pertaining to Pacific values and beliefs," says Sosefo.
The Fautua Pasefika Policy, an initiative of the Department's Pacific Strategy, enables Pacific community leaders greater and easier access to prisons and Pacific inmates. In addition, these leaders will be able to advocate on behalf of the community to the Department and Minister of Corrections on any issues affecting Pacific inmates.
The Pacific Strategy is the Department's first strategic plan developed for Pacific peoples and shows the Department's commitment to reducing re-offending by Pacific offenders.