Fifty-four new corrections officers and offender employment instructors were joined by top New Zealand chef and Cohort 50 Patron, Martin Bosley, in celebrating their success at a graduation ceremony in Upper Hutt.
“Martin has been running Gate to Plate at Rimutaka Prison for around seven years, and during this time has provided invaluable training and support to the men behind the wire. It makes sense he would be a patron to our new recruits,” National Commissioner Rachel Leota said.
“Martin has always been a big believer in giving people second chances, and recognises the importance education, training and employment plays in getting people on the right track. It is this sort of belief and attitude we encourage amongst our new recruits, so it’s great that Martin has been able to share this with them.
“It was a real privilege to have Martin there as we officially welcomed cohort 50 into our Ara Poutama whānau.”
William Lea’ae Toa from Auckland Prison was presented with the Minister’s Excellence Award. William was chosen for the award in recognition of his professionalism, enthusiasm for learning and exceptional leadership.
William previously worked in construction before deciding to train as a corrections officer.
“The graduates have made it to this point because they have a strong sense of purpose, know right from wrong, and are determined to help people make positive changes in their lives. They know their job is to be good role models and to help keep our communities safe.” says National Commissioner Rachel Leota.
Martin Bosley is the second cohort patron in Corrections’ Patron Programme.
Notes:
Gate to Plate runs at Rimutaka Prison as part of the Visa Wellington on a Plate food festival. The programme provides catering training to prisoners to help them into employment on release.
The programme has been run in partnership with Martin Bosley for seven years, and in this time prisoners have served up roughly 3,000 dinners to hundreds of people behind the wire.
More information on Gate to Plate watch the video on our facebook page.