30 March

Community groups in Napier could get a helping a hand with their next project, through using offenders on Community Work sentences.

Community Probation and Psychological Services (CPPS) manage offenders sentenced by the courts to carry out a sentence of community work, which requires offenders to do unpaid work in the community for non-profit organisation as reparation for their offending.

CPPS Hawkes Bay Area Manager George Henderson says offenders have to dedicate a set amount of their time to providing a community service, but to help achieve this they need worthy groups and suitable projects to assist.

“While we can assist with community projects of almost any size or nature, we particularly need more community organisations who can supply work for one or two offenders and oversee them while they complete the work.”

“We encourage marae, churches, educational, charitable or recreational organisations to get in touch with us if they have projects they need a hand with”. 

George says a good example of the assistance CPPS can provide is Seekers Megamart.

David Tait, Seekers Manager says offenders on Community Work empty large bags of clothes and fold or hang them on hangers ready to be sold, they also keep the warehouse tidy and ensure clothes are on the right rack.

“We are extremely grateful for their help. “There is around 70 tonnes of clothes waiting to be taken out of the sacks.  These clothes are also packed and sent to countries overseas. Without their help our life would be a lot more difficult.”

George says that while there is some administration involved in overseeing an offender on Community Work, there are also large rewards involved.

“Not only will a community group benefit from having a project completed for them, many sponsors tell us that they get a real sense of satisfaction by helping an offender try and turn their lives around.”

Community Work is a practical way to help offenders learn new skills and work habits, this can assist them with getting future employment which has been shown to greatly reduce the chances of further offending. For many people it’s the chance they need to start making positive changes in their lives.
George says offenders on community work have helped out with a huge variety of projects - from constructing walking and biking tracks, garden restoration, rubbish and scrub clearing, painting, tree removal, and assisting with marae maintenance and other community agencies. The offenders are assessed as to their suitability for any projects they take part in.

People can get in touch with the Napier Service Centre by phoning (06) 834 2200.

For further information contact the Communications Services Desk:
Phone: (04) 460 3365   Email: commdesk@corrections.govt.nz

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