Media release Wednesday, 31 March 2016

For immediate release

Open Day for employers and community groups at Northland Region Corrections Facility

Northland Region Corrections Facility (NRCF) is hosting its first “Reach Out” open day on Friday, 1 April 2016, at NRCF in Northland.

About 50 invited representatives from local businesses and community organisations will visit NRCF from 11am to 2pm to have a closer look at the work in which offenders are involved in prison, and what employable skills qualified prisoners have to offer once they are released.

“The men receive training in a range of educational and rehabilitation programmes, including art, horticulture, drama, carpentry and construction. They gain recognised industry qualifications, which prepare them for the job market upon their release,” says Dave Pattinson, NRCF prison director.

“Research has shown that offenders who find employment when they are released are less likely to re-offend. However, we need the help of our local communities to open the doors to employment opportunities for these men. Qualified offenders released from prison are work-ready, and motivated to give their best in a job and turn their lives around.”

The NRCF open day will showcase the industry at the prison, including prisoners’ highly acclaimed artworks and Māori carvings. Visitors will also have the rare opportunity to see a brief performance of Hamlet by the Shakespeare Behind Bars drama group, as well as a drama written by a prisoner.

Presentations will also be delivered on the prisoners’ contribution to a Habitat for Humanity house-building project, the Waitangi Mountain Bike trail development project, and NRCF’s community gardens programme.

Visitors will have the chance to ask questions, interact with prisoners and staff, and learn more about opportunities to work together on creating employment and education opportunities for offenders.

At the open day, a memorandum of understanding will also be signed between NRCF and Orangewood Orchards Ltd (a kiwifruit pack house in Kerikeri, Bay of Islands) to formalise release-to-work employment opportunities for NRCF prisoners.

The release-to-work programme allows minimum-security prisoners, who are assessed as suitable, to engage in paid employment in the community. This work experience helps offenders gain employment on release.

ENDS

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