A new source of suitable beef bones is keeping the carving programme at Rimutaka Prison’s Te Whare Manaakitanga Special Treatment Unit well-stocked.
Te Whare Manaakitanga is a group-based rehabilitation programme for men with a history of violent offending that helps the men learn the skills necessary to live without further violent behaviour.
Manager of Psychological Services Nicola Perkins says bone carving helps the men to settle their emotions after intensive therapy sessions, as well as connecting many of them with their culture. Alliance Group, a farming co-operative, is now providing the unit with a regular supply of the bones from its Levin processing plant.
“While they have caused real harm in their communities, most of the men have come from traumatic backgrounds and had little exposure to a healthy and stable lifestyle themselves.
“The therapy sessions require them to look at things in their past that led them to where they are now and that can be very difficult. They need ways to help settle the emotions that arise and they find that in the carving. Some say it is like meditation and that focusing on it brings a great sense of calmness.
“Although many have never done carving before, it can connect them to their culture. It allows them to carve gifts for their whānau and feel they are still part of their communities.
“It’s also an inexpensive craft they can continue in the future. They are developing real skills and it provides a sense of achievement they may only previously have felt from things like fast-paced gang activities.”
Members of the unit recently created several carvings, which have been presented to the plant to thank them for their support. A number of the men have also written to Alliance to explain how much the carving process helps them as part of their treatment programme.
Alliance Group’s Levin plant manager Andre Pelser says the co-operative is committed to supporting the initiative.
“As a significant employer in the region, we have deep roots in our community. This programme is supporting people with their rehabilitation and helping them connect with their culture so we are happy to play a small part and assist the prison.”