NRCF brings $8 million in salaries to region

Innocent people will go to prison as a result of a Corrections' campaign to recruit Northland people to work at the new Northland Region Corrections Facility (NRCF).

Corrections' conservatively estimates that around $8.1 million in wages and salaries will flow into Northland annually once the facility is up and running in March 2005.

Mike Hughes, NRCF Site Manager says that this is on top of the money already flowing into the local economy from the actual construction of NRCF and its ongoing operation.

Corrections' local partner, Ngati Rangi, are involved in the recruitment process and together with Corrections, are hosting a series of community information seminars to provide local people with information about the type of jobs available.

Mr Hughes says while most jobs will not be advertised until around August 2004, getting the word out early gives local people time to consider whether working at the facility is an option for them.

"Essentially, we'll go over the basics for becoming a corrections officer, so people understand what is required of someone working in that role. We are looking for those with a can-do attitude that look for solutions not problems - people who have high standards, understand the power of teamwork and who can think outside the square. While the focus is on corrections officers at the moment, we are also looking for people to fill specialist roles like nurses and administration people," Mr Hughes says.

To ensure a good mix of experience and fresh ideas, it is expected that up to half of the approximately 230 staff will be recruited locally, with many others having links to the Northland region.

The seminars will also provide information about the Ngawha-Link initiative, which is providing local organisations support to take advantage of business opportunities presented by the new corrections facility. Ngawha-Link is a local project involving Corrections, Ngati Rangi and a number of central and local government agencies, as well as various community organisations.

Corrections and Ngati Rangi are inviting interested members of the public to attend any of the seminars that are being held in late May and early June.

All local information seminars will be held between 7:00-9:00pm at the following venues:

Those wishing to attend can either register their interest by calling 0800 524 523 or simply turn up at the venue.