21 October
Arohata Prison is now not only home to 154 prisoners; from today, it will also house a very distinguished award.
Former Superintendent Florence Howland gifted her MBE award to Arohata Prison at a special presentation this morning. The award, framed alongside some of her other medals of honour, will be prominently displayed on site.
“It is a great honour that Miss Howland should choose to give her medals to us,” says Arohata Prison Manager Ann Abraham. “We were very pleased to have Corrections Minister Judith Collins present to accept this gift on our behalf and we will display it proudly.
“The MBE is testament to the professionalism and leadership shown by her during the 16 years she was in charge at Arohata.”
Miss Howland became Superintendent of Arohata Girl's Borstal, as it was back then, in May 1959. The goal she set herself and her staff was the rehabilitation of the prisoners; through the years that goal has remained the same.
“This prison began its life as a girl’s borstal in 1944, later becoming a youth facility and now once again we securely house female prisoners,” explains Ms Abraham.
“All through that time it has been Corrections' top priority to keep the community safe and to rehabilitate the prisoners in an effort to reduce reoffending."
Along with the medals for display the prison will also be presented with a copy of Florence Howland’s memoir “Walking by Faith” which includes a chapter on her time at Arohata.
ENDS
For further information contact the Communications Services Desk:
• Phone: (04) 460 3365
• Email: commdesk@corrections.govt.nz
Copyright © Department of Corrections | Feedback and queries email: webmaster@corrections.govt.nz