Merit behind prisoner rebuild

New Zealand First says the opportunity for prisoners to be involved in rebuilding earthquake damaged Christchurch houses is a small step in the right direction – but it has taken too long to get started.

'I would like to congratulate the Department of Corrections and Housing New Zealand staff for their work in getting the project under way,” says Spokesperson for Corrections Asenati Lole-Taylor.

'Unfortunately, it is well over three years since the big earthquake in Christchurch.”

The project will focus on Red-Zoned houses being repaired by prisoners and community offenders at the Rolleston Prison Constructions Yard over the next five years.

'New Zealand First has been calling for a greater focus on rehabilitation for years. By working on Housing New Zealand damaged homes prisoners have a chance to learn valuable skills which will help them transition back into the community, and through the work they are putting something back into the community.

'New Zealand First believes this approach should be extended to other prisons, such as the Spring Hill Corrections Facility and Northland Region Corrections Facility.

'However, there should be caution when funding projects like this in privately run prisons.

'Having prisoners help out with community projects is a win-win situation for everyone concerned – the Corrections Department, Housing New Zealand, the prisoners, community organisations and the wider public,” says Mrs Lole-Taylor.

Source: Office of New Zealand First.

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1 comment

Arent prisons supposed to deter?

Posted on 25-07-2014 20:42 | By GreertonBoy

Yes, great idea for cheap labour and to do something for the community, but prisons are supposed to be where "people who have committed crimes" get to reflect on their past and be reintegrated into society as better citizens? Jail should be something other than just a 'working holiday' as these convicts are in there for a reason? Great idea, what about leaving criminals in jail and get the dole bludgers to do the building work instead?


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