11 February 2008
Prisoners in Tongariro/Rangipo Prison's West Unit are doing their bit to give back to the community with a vegetable garden. Vegetables grown by the prisoners are to be donated to the local Turangi food bank.
Approved prisoners in West Unit have taken part in constructing the garden and raising the vegetables from seeds.
"The prisoners in the unit are learning new, valuable skills growing these vegetables from seeds," says Tongariro/Rangipo Prison Manager Paul Vlaanderen.
"They wanted a constructive activity that gave them skills and had a positive outcome.
"We see giving back to the community in any small way as exactly that - an extremely positive outcome. This is positive for the prisoners too they are learning every day about how to adapt to weather conditions and what to grow. They have learnt about the hard work involved in gardening but also the reward in seeing it take shape from their efforts."
The prisoners are growing potatoes, kumara, tomatoes, strawberries and many others.
"West Unit is a low security unit with many prisoners who are too old or have serious health issues that prevent them from working in Corrections Inmate Employment (CIE) industries. This is an opportunity for those guys to do something meaningful for themselves and others during their time in prison.
"These selected prisoners tend to the garden as well as perform essential tasks like cleaning and kitchen duties around the unit. I am pleased my staff could help them do something positive with their spare time.
"With the help of very proactive staff in West Unit the prisoners have been able to put together the garden for next to nothing."
Corrections Inmate Employment kindly donated reject timber from the Mill site at the prison to make trellis, fencing and railings. While staff and prisoners have used a kiwi 'number 8 wire' mentality to recycle materials within the unit to use.
Prisoners around the unit are really pleased with their efforts so far.
"I love getting out in the garden, I've never done anything like this before. I'm learning a lot of new stuff each day," says one prisoner.
The Turangi food bank are equally positive.
"We welcome any donations we can get, every little bit helps. It is great that Tongariro/Rangipo Prison can help us and give the prisoners something positive to do with their time," says Turangi Food Bank chair Maggie Stewart.
"All donations made to the food bank go to benefit Turangi locals in need."
Paul Vlaanderen says that West Unit hope to make their first donation of food this month.
Please contact Maggie Stewart on (07) 386 7656 if you have a donation in the Turangi region.
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