National criminal justice conference

27 August 2010
Breaking down the barriers to reduce prison numbers is the theme of the prison NGOs’ conference, organised by Prison Fellowship New Zealand and running in Upper Hutt from 7 to 10 October.

We all lose out if we continue to build more prisons, lengthen prison sentences and see more families affected as victims of crime, says Robin Gunston, National Director, Prison Fellowship New Zealand.

“This is a complex area and no one has all the answers,” he says. “But we need to collaborate to help build a justice system we can be proud of.”

The programme includes international speakers such as Professor Alison Liebling of Cambridge University and Oyvind Alnes, Justice Governor, Norway. Local speakers include Dr Pita Sharples, Dr Liz Gordon and Anne Opie.
“We welcome the input of international leaders who examine and think about criminal justice in other countries,” Robin Gunston says. “But we also welcome those of you working daily with people in various parts of New Zealand who are affected by crime.”

Following the conference, the NGOs plan to present proposed solutions to the growing prison population and other findings to the Government.
For more information about the venue, programme and costs, and to book please visit the Prison Fellowship New Zealand website. Earlybird registrations close at 5pm on Tuesday 31 August 2010.
http://www.pfnz.org.nz/conference_2010.htm