Department of Corrections staff from New Plymouth Prison and around the country gathered for a special ceremony today.
New Plymouth Prison had an Acknowledgement Day (Te Ra Whakanui) for kaumatua who have since passed on.
Whanau and friends of the kaumatua were invited by New Plymouth Prison to bring photos of their loved one to place on a specially made whakairo (carving) designed by prisoners.
These photos will hang in the prison wharenui (meeting house) to remember and acknowledge the contribution of these people to New Plymouth Prison.
"New Plymouth Prison has a Cultural Development Group (CDG) that was established to assist the Prison with cultural issues, encourage appreciation and respect of all cultures and to contribute positively to the prison environment," says New Plymouth Prison Manager Peter Madsen.
"We are proud to be able to acknowledge these people, the contribution they have made to New Plymouth prison has been enormous.
"Kaumatua in our CDG offer a lot to the prison. They mentor prisoners and give them links to the community that they would otherwise never have.
"That sense of belonging is really important to a prisoner and if they feel accepted within a community it can help keep them from reoffending.
"The CDG also instruct prisoners on Maori culture and heritage. Prisoners are not the only one to benefit from these people’s efforts, staff may also ask to see kaumatua to consult on cultural matters.
"The CDG's commitment continues after a prisoner's sentence. Many New Plymouth prisoners have been offered a place on marae around Taranaki upon release to help them transition back into the community.
"This support is invaluable to prisoners, having an encouraging and friendly environment to move into when they leave prison can only be beneficial.
"New Plymouth prison tries to give back to the kaumatua as best we can. The prison has a marae work party of carefully selected, low security prisoners who go to local Taranaki marae and perform any maintenance tasks needed in the upkeep of the marae."
The prison unveiled the whakairo, carved by two prisoners, today to staff and guests in a special ceremony with powhiri, haka and mihimihi. This was followed by a hangi specially prepared by staff from Wanganui Prison’s Maori Focus Unit.
"Today is also about thanking the kaumatua's whanau for their support too, they supported their loved one and helped them get along to support the prison,” says Mr Madsen.
For further information email commdesk@corrections.govt.nz or phone (04) 460 3365.