4 September
Forty-one custodial and non-custodial staff members from Rimutaka, Arohata and Wellington Prisons accepted special recognition for their good conduct and long service during an award ceremony at the Upper Hutt Cosmopolitan Club today.
Sixteen staff members received Long Service Awards for 14, 21 and 35 years' service to the Department. The recipients included a recently retired prison manager, numerous corrections officers and a learning and development advisor.
The remaining 21 staff each received certificates for their 7 years of service and good conduct.
Acting Assistant Regional Manager Bronwyn Donaldson believes the awards acknowledge and recognise the excellent contribution that Corrections staff make to their communities.
“The hard work that Corrections staff do is often hidden from the public by a prison’s walls. But their efforts ensure a secure and humane environment for offenders while also providing them with training and support in an effort to reduce re-offending,” she says.
“The quality and commitment shown by these long-serving staff members is a key factor in making our communities safer, and it is very important that this is recognised.
“Working for Corrections can be a very demanding job, our staff are often working in what can be a volatile environment. Despite this our staff also find their work extremely interesting and rewarding and they have a real passion for their work.
“I thank each and every recipient for the work they do and also for the advice and guidance they provide to our less experienced staff.”
Ms Donaldson says the event also provides an opportunity to acknowledge the important role families play in the work of Corrections staff.
“Family provide invaluable support to staff in their work. It is pleasing that many family members attended today’s event.”
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