23 November

A thank you letter from a prisoner who was transferred from Christchurch Prison to Spring Hill Corrections Facility following the September earthquake has bought a smile to staff at Spring Hill Corrections Facility.

“Unfortunately it is not that common for staff to receive thanks from prisoners, especially by letter, so it is nice that the work they did to accommodate additional prisoners following the quake is being acknowledged.

“Staff at Spring Hill did a great job receiving the extra prisoners and ensuring they were provided for. I have no doubt that actions of staff working together during the influx of prisoners arriving at our site meant the transition went as smoothly as it did,” says Spring Hill Prison Corrections Facility Prison Manager Gavin Dalziel.
 
“While the preparation for double bunking meant we had beds and staff available to manage the transferred prisoners, staff went above and beyond to manage the increase. In addition many of the new prisoners were frightened and worried about friends and family who may also have been affected by the quake, staff went to extra lengths to reassure them in these instances and keep them updated about the situation.”

The letter was addressed to the Manager of the unit that the prisoner was moved to after being transferred from Christchurch Men’s Prison.

In the letter the author thanked the unit staff for providing for the newly received prisoners. The author also thanked staff for having the opportunity to work in the laundry while at the site.

“It takes a special person to be a Corrections Officer and I don’t think it is a secret that they have a difficult job to do even on a good day. Unfortunately it can also be a thankless role so letters like this are always appreciated."

Notes to reporters

Following the September 4 Canterbury earthquake nearly 650 prisoners were moved from Christchurch men’s and women’s prisons to Auckland Region Women’s Corrections Facility, Spring Hill and Otago Corrections Facility and Waikeria, Wanganui and Rimutaka Prison. Of the 650 prisoners, 122 prisoners were transferred to Spring Hill Corrections Facility.

All Christchurch women’s prisoners are back on site and the prison is operating as normal.

Around 300 Christchurch men’s prisoners remain off site, but this number is decreasing all the time as the Department works to return remand prisoners, as well as prisoners who are due to be released or due to appear before the New Zealand Parole Board.

It is likely that the repair of two damaged buildings at Christchurch men’s Prison will be completed before Christmas. Another part of the Prison requires more major repairs and strengthening work.  It is likely that this won’t be completed until the New Year.

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