Prison volunteers celebrated

4 December 2008
The Department of Corrections has been celebrating the contribution of prison volunteers, including those who offer constructive arts and cultural activities in New Zealand prisons.

Over the past week, Corrections has been presenting its inaugural Volunteer Recognition Awards in prisons throughout New Zealand, in association with International Volunteers Day on 5 December.

Russell Underwood, National Advisor: Volunteers, Prison Services, says there are approximately 3000 prison volunteers. They offer their time and energy, working
alongside prison staff and helping prisoners change their lives.

“At the Auckland awards presentation this week, the winners were presented certificates and artworks that prisoners had made,” he says. “ There is so much artistic talent among the prisoners and the volunteers were delighted to receive work the prisoners had made.”

Awards were made to individuals and teams. Awards for arts and cultural activities were presented to:
•    a group of volunteers from East City Church/Prison Fellowship of New Zealand, which teach arts and crafts at Auckland Region Women’s Corrections Facility
•    Ben Dickson and May Mackey, Kaiwhakamana (Māori cultural) volunteers at Mt Eden Prison
•    Neti (Ned) Cook, Fautua Pasefika (cultural support - Pacific peoples) volunteer at Waikeria Prison
•    Wellington Quilters Guild, which teaches quilt-making and sewing skills at Arohata Women’s Prison
•    A group from Living Waters Christian Centre, which teaches card-making skills at Christchurch Women's Prison
•    Raiha Ellis, Kaiwhakamana (Māori cultural) volunteer at Rimutaka Prison.

“The existence of a diverse and energetic pool of volunteers brings a community perspective to our services and can help offenders make a positive return to their community,” Mr Underwood says.