8 December 2003
Christmas meals will be the same at all 17 public prisons across the country for the first time this year, says Russell Baker Internal Services Manager.
This came about as part of the national review of prison catering operations, where menus were standardised. Mr Baker confirms that it costs around $4 a day to feed an inmate all three meals on Christmas day, and every other day of the year.
Lunch is the main meal on Christmas day, and those in prison will sit down to a modest serving of vegetables, a portion of roast chicken and trifle for dessert. Cold meat and salads follow for dinner. Mr Baker adds that unlike most of the public, inmates don’t get to go back for seconds.
"Corrections does pretty well on its budget of $4 per inmate for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The meals meet basic nutritional requirements, but are by no means lavish," explains Mr Baker.
There is a lot of curiosity and a fair bit of misconception around what those in prison eat on Christmas day, explains Mr Baker.
"One of the biggest misconceptions is that inmates dine lavishly - better than those in the community. In reality, Christmas in prison isn't all its cracked up to be," he says.
Thumbnail of new standard meal; click here to see larger version of image (PDF: 36KB)
Thumbnail of new standard meal; click here to see larger version of image (PDF: 34KB)
Inmates' children receive presents through the Angel Tree Programme. The programme operates at most New Zealand prisons and is co-ordinated by the Prison Fellowship of New Zealand, who organise the purchase and distribution of gifts to the children of inmates.
In some regions, the Prisoners' Aid and Rehabilitation Society (PARS) may purchase gifts on inmates' behalf for them to send to their friends and family.
Inmates may attend a multi-denominational service led by the prison chaplain if they wish to do so.
Inmates may receive approved gifts from friends and family, however all items are subject to normal security processes to avoid contraband entering the prison.
Visiting times do not alter over the Christmas period, so inmates' families can only visit on the prison's scheduled visiting days.