1 April
An offender serving a Community Work sentence in Te Puke has been making amends for his offending by carving a Maori sculpture for a horse riding centre for the disabled.
The Maori carving was unveiled at the Tauranga Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) Equestrian Therapy Centre in Welcome Bay on Tuesday. It depicts three whales that symbolise the three hills of Welcome Bay and is a symbol of community and togetherness for everyone that visits the riding centre.
Community Probation & Psychological Services Te Puke Service Centre Manager Brendon Arthur says Community Work projects such as this are a great way for offenders to give something back to the community.
“This particular project has really helped foster a strong relationship between the Department of Corrections, the RDA and local iwi,” Brendon says.
Tauranga RDA CEO Kat Macmillan says she’s delighted with the carving that will be erected in the entranceway to RDA for everyone to enjoy.
“This not only symbolises togetherness and community but it also helps to welcome Maori to our centre and to show our commitment to inclusion. I am overjoyed that everyone that comes to RDA will see this as they drive in to our centre,” says Kat.
Brendon says that the opportunity given to the offender by the Equestrian Therapy Centre has improved his self esteem, self confidence, empathy and social skills.
“He is both grateful and proud to have been able to create a Maori carving which bears significant cultural meaning for him. It’s just great to see how he has responded to this opportunity and to see him thrive and change in a working environment.
“He seems to have gained a real sense of satisfaction and pride knowing his efforts will be appreciated by the Welcome Bay community.”
Community Work sentences require offenders to do unpaid work in the community for non-profit organisations as reparation for their offending. It is a practical way to help offenders learn new skills and work habits, which can assist them with getting future employment and greatly reduce the chances of further offending.
Annually New Zealand communities benefit from almost three million hours of labour supplied through Community Work sentences.
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