9 October
An unexpected group travelled to Mt Eden Prison and Spring Hill Corrections Facility last Sunday to be part of church services arranged for prisoners not able to attend services in their own communities.
The Samoan National Rugby League team had no time to rest when they arrived in Auckland to play their game against the NZ Bartercard premiership selection team – heading straight to Mt Eden Prison to be joined by members of the Henderson Tuvaluan Youth Group and the Auckland Church of Christ to pray with men in prison affected by recent events in the Pacific.
“It’s times like these when nature strikes, that a lot of our men in prison turn to their faith for guidance. While they have done wrong, and that is why they are in prison, they are still tama-fanau of our ancestors,” says Le’aufa’amulia Asenati Lole-Taylor, Regional Advisor Pacific.
“I was contacted by the Padre at Mt Eden, who asked me to assist in finding some support for the prisoners. Some people to come into the prison and pray with the men. Prisoners face obvious difficulties in communicating with family, however they suffer the same concerns as our staff and members of the public, and it is important we look after their spiritual wellbeing at times such as these.”
Following the service at Mt Eden the league team departed for Spring Hill Corrections Facility to attend another service, in the Pacific Focus Unit, Vaka Fa’aola.
“The prisoners from the unit put on a Pacific Siva-Tau (warrior dance) for their guests, and the team were surprised to learn the prisoners had composed it themselves.”
Teleiai Su’a Pa’u Puni, boxing and league commentator and organiser of the team’s trip to NZ, spoke frankly with the prisoners about why the team was there and what the prisoners could take away from their visit.
“Today we are here to grieve with you all. To lend a shoulder in order to provide some kind of comfort, because you are not able to grieve or mourn with the rest of your families for obvious reasons.”
“On a more positive note, David Tua's win was not about the fact that he won but of his come back. So for you in prison, remember that this is not the end of the road, if anything it should be the perfect opportunity to reflect and strategise for your own good come back.”
He also encouraged the men to think about how they could use their time constructively once released from prison.
“If you have good fast legs and an eye for passing the ball, you can come and see Leapai, the rugby league coach. If you have a good strong upper body, an eye for accuracy, and good hands, come and see me. We may be able to help, and we want to make sure that if you fight any fight, it is to be in the ring, with a well prepared opponent. Not at home, on your wife, partner or children."
For further information contact the Communications Services Desk:
Phone: (04) 460 3365 / After hours: (021) 761 828
Email: commdesk@corrections.govt.nz