21 Dec 2010
For most New Zealanders, Christmas is acknowledged as being a special day around the country, however for prisoners it is just another day.
“Every year we get enquiries about how Christmas is spent in prison. Many people seem to have the impression that it could be an extravagant affair. In reality it is Christmas, but without trimmings,” says Manawatu Prison Manager Peter Howe.
“For staff who work on Christmas day it is business as usual, but prisoners (depending on their security classifications) may spend some time involved in recreational activities such as sport. They can also attend multi-denominational church services held by the Prison Chaplain.”
Corrections Inmate Employment (CIE) Manager Internal Services Sector Russell Baker says the Christmas meal meets basic nutritional requirements but is by no means lavish.
“Lunch is the main meal of the day and consists of a serving of vegetables, chicken and two slices of watermelon, while dinner is a meal of cold meat and salads. A vegetarian option is also available,” he says.
“The day’s meals, around 24,000 of them, are prepared and cooked by prisoners which means they are also learning valuable skills by doing so.
"The Christmas day menu is the same across all 20 prisons. The Department budgets approximately $4.50 per day to feed a prisoner and the main difference on Christmas is that the main meal is served at lunch instead of at night."
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