27 September
Thirty staff from Waikeria Prison were recognised with long service awards on Friday evening 24 September. The event recognised custodial and non-custodial staff who have given 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35 years of service.
Central Regional Manager Jeanette Burns and Acting Assistant Regional Manager Dianne Brophy attended the ceremony.
The award ceremony was held in the Waipa Workingman’s Club, Te Awamutu and was attended by Corrections staff, and family and friends of the recipients.
“These medals are extremely important because they represent years of dedication in a demanding and challenging job. It is a job that makes a major contribution to the wider community by safely incarcerating prisoners and working to prevent them from re-offending,” said Mrs Burns.
“The recipients of these medals represent the backbone of the Service. These are the officers that new officers turn to for advice. Their years of organisation knowledge, sense of history and expertise are called upon daily.”
“Senior staff, such as those here today, are critical to our success in providing high performing Prison Services which improve the safety of our local community.”
“To the recipients, I would say, that in essence, you are role models for staff and have a critical leadership role in helping the Service to achieve our ultimate goal of improving public safety.”
“The medals being awarded today are recognition that you have demonstrated commitment, good character and professionalism consistently over a number of years,” said Mrs Burns.
The awards are issued under authority delegated by Her Majesty the Queen, under Royal Warrant. The New Zealand Prison Service medal is granted for long service to Custodial Staff. In 2005 it was decided to also recognise non-custodial long serving staff with Departmental badges.
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