7. MELISSA LEE (National) Link to this
to the Minister of Corrections
How are Corrections department staff showing support for their Christchurch colleagues following the earthquake?
Hon JUDITH COLLINS (Minister of Corrections) Link to this
Corrections staff have been looking for practical ways to support their Christchurch colleagues in the wake of the earthquake. As a result, the Department of Corrections has set up the Give Your Mates a Day Trust, which involves staff voluntarily donating a day of their annual leave. The department then pays out the net dollar value of that leave and places the money in a trust. I am very pleased to say that so far the generosity and goodwill of department staff have resulted in a total of $160,400 being raised. That money will be distributed among Christchurch corrections staff. In addition, 15 corrections officers have been seconded to the Christchurch Central Police Station for 2 months. Those staff are helping police with prisoner escorts and watch-house duties, allowing police to focus on front-line duties in Christchurch.
What else is the Department of Corrections doing to help with the rebuilding effort in Christchurch?
Hon JUDITH COLLINS Link to this
The 22 February earthquake has generated a big demand for trade skills as we move to rebuild Christchurch. To help meet that demand, the department is increasing its prisoner employment in trade training in the areas of highest demand. Over the next 12 months the number of prisoners being trained in targeted trades, including welding and construction, will increase by between 130 and 160 at Christchurch Men’s Prison. Three new training workshops will also be established. They will deliver courses in painting, plastering, plumbing, drainlaying, roofing, and gas welding. Existing carpentry and joining skills for housebuilding and refurbishment training will also be expanded. These initiatives will give prisoners the skills they need to contribute positively to the rebuild, both from within prison and following their release.