20 August
One of the newest members of staff at Northland Region Corrections Facility (NRCF) comes into the job with high praise from parliament after being presented with a ‘Ministers Excellence Award’ at his graduation from initial training today.
“I have no doubt that Paul Jack’s professionalism will be an inspiration to prisoners seeking to better themselves through education and work skills,” said Corrections Minister Hon Judith Collins speaking at the Staff Training College at Rimutaka Prison.
The Minister established the Excellence Award to promote and honour excellence in graduates of the Department’s six week live in training course. All new staff members must complete the course before working in a custodial role in a prison.
NRCF Prison Manager Jon Howe says he’s delighted that Paul will be based at his site after he consistently achieved in his academic studies, as well as demonstrating his leadership qualities, teamwork ability, professionalism and his willingness to learn at the Staff Training College.
“Paul will fit in well – we set a high standard for staff and I am proud of our officers. They are professionals dedicated to protecting the public by securely managing prisoners, role modelling pro-social behaviour, and delivering rehabilitation opportunities to prisoners,” says NRCF Prison Manager Mr Howe.
Paul will be employed in the kitchen at the prison, and will be the fifth tutor teaching cooking and catering skills to prisoners. Up to 25 prisoners, across two shifts, work in the kitchen daily. They are studying toward NZQA qualifications in food preparation, hygiene, cooking methods and kitchen safety and are responsible for feeding around 280 prisoners three meals daily – almost 25,000 meals a month.
“The majority of prisoners have limited education or work experience. We could lock them up all day every day, but that wouldn’t help them when it comes time for their release – so staff like Paul will work with them to deliver employment and training to enable them to find sustainable work when they are released from prison – research shows if they have jobs, they are less likely to re-offend.”
For further information contact the Communications Services Desk:
Copyright © Department of Corrections | Feedback and queries email: webmaster@corrections.govt.nz