High praise for prison volunteers

4 December

Waikeria Prison today held an event to acknowledge the hard work of prison volunteers who freely give their time and expertise to offer prisoners constructive activities.

“The Volunteer Recognition Awards are held annually in association with International Volunteer Day and it is our chance to thank all our wonderful volunteers for their positive contribution to the work of the Prison,” says Assistant Regional Manager Terry Buffery.

“The existence of a diverse and energetic pool of volunteers brings a community perspective to our services and contributes towards helping offenders positively return to the community.

“While we’re thankful for the work of every volunteer, there are some groups and individuals whose effort and dedication really stand out.  Today has been a chance to give them the recognition they deserve.

“A great example of this is Geoff and Jill McMillan; they volunteer as part of the Prisoncare Ministries team who have been coming to Waikeria Prison for about 25 years.
“Geoff and Jill have always been involved with the support of prisoners, ex-prisoners and their whanau, making a considerable impact on many lives.  They have also played vital roles within the Prisoncare Ministries Trust that run three fulltime houses for released or paroled prisoners.”

Mr Buffery says Corrections is committed to developing and maintaining a strong and progressive volunteer policy to achieve the Department’s goal of reducing reoffending through the rehabilitation and reintegration of prisoners.

“By providing a varied array of constructive activities, volunteers can help prisoners by supporting literacy, numeracy and other educational programmes; by teaching life or employment skills for reintegration back into the community on release from prison; or by offering opportunities for prisoners to develop a sense of self-worth and to turn their life around.”

Corrections is always looking for new volunteers who can bring constructive activities into prisons. If you know someone who may be able to help, they can email volunteering@corrections.govt.nz or phone (04) 495 8428 for more information.

Notes to reporter:

The full list of Volunteers recognised at Waikeria are: 

• Individual – Peter Henson, Justice of the Peace, who provides a very prompt and valuable service to prisoners
• Individual – Frank Paton, Pastor, who has been ministering to men of the Latter Day Saints faith for 11 years at the Prison
• Group – Geoff & Jill McMillan, Prisoncare Ministries (see story)

For further information contact the Communications Services Desk:

• Phone: (04) 460 3365
• Email: commdesk@corrections.govt.nz