Volunteer Strategy
The Department of Corrections’ overarching goals are to protect the public and reduce re-offending. However, one government agency alone cannot help people who offend successfully rehabilitate and reintegrate back into the community. We can only create lasting change when all New Zealanders step forward and claim these people as their own, recognising the part they play in improving their lives, reducing their risk of re-offending, and making Aoteoroa a better place to live.
The Corrections’ Volunteer Service is an existing vehicle to influence public opinion on the restorative role of rehabilitation. When New Zealanders volunteer with Corrections, they:
- step forward and directly contribute to helping people who have offended rehabilitate and transition back into the community
- increase their empathy for the needs of people who offend, and better understand barriers they face in trying to change their lives
- communicate the importance of rehabilitation to other members of the public, particularly whānau, hapu and iwi.