4. NICKY WAGNER (National) Link to this
to the Minister of Corrections
What support has the Corrections Department provided in Canterbury since the first earthquake struck in September last year?
Hon JUDITH COLLINS (Minister of Corrections) Link to this
I am very pleased to advise that since the first earthquake in September last year, offenders on community work have provided over 170,000 hours of free labour to help to clean up Christchurch. Offenders on community work have been used to clear streets, assist in getting schools and early childhood centres back up and running, and tidy up parks, reserves, and marae. Following last week’s aftershocks, offenders on community work were quickly sent out to the eastern suburbs, where they have helped non-profit organisations, community groups, and others to clear the silt and liquefaction from their properties. The department will continue to ensure that offenders on community work are available to help out in the months ahead.
Hon JUDITH COLLINS Link to this
From today, Christchurch-based corrections staff will be receiving the benefit of the department’s Give your Mates a Day Trust. The trust was set up after February’s earthquake, and nearly 1,000 staff from around the country have kindly donated a day of their leave. The department put the net dollar value of that leave in a trust. Due to the generosity and goodwill of staff, a total of $166,430 has been raised. This money is now being distributed to Christchurch corrections staff, and payments will be completed by this Friday.