Lange to Speak at Prison Forum

Organisers at the Community of Saint Luke in Remuera-Newmarket are excited that former Prime Minister The Rt Hon. David Lange will be speaking at their ground-breaking forum. The August 29 forum will discuss prisons and penal policy in New Zealand.

“Of course we are excited” said event organiser David Clark. “David Lange has a reputation as both a persuasive and an entertaining speaker. This is just the kind of good news we were hoping for”.

Four speakers will offer their vision for Justice in Aotearoa New Zealand. The Rt Hon David Lange is probably the most well known speaker, while The Reverend Douglas Mansill and Ms Naida Glavish will be known to those working hands on in the restorative justice area. District Court Judge Fred McElrea will provide a different perspective on the discussions.

David Clark sees the event as a space for reasoned discussion amidst pre-election hype. “Political parties are developing portfolios on justice and corrections in New Zealand that are filled with buzz words and glib promises. We want to offer a chance for the local community to educate themselves on what the key issues really are”.

“This is the first of its kind in Remuera-Newmarket” said Paul Winton, a member of the forum’s organising team. “It is an opportunity for people to hear and discuss issues relating to prisons and justice in their local community”.

“The evening is intended to be an informed and informing discussion. It will revolve around the presentations of the four key speakers, with audience participation being invited once the discussion has been developed” he said.
The forum will ask whether our justice system is really working, and will consider options from building more prisons to restorative justice. It comes hot on the heals of parliament’s private prison proposals and this years’ escapes from Mt Eden Prison.

The forum takes place at the Community of Saint Luke on 29 August at 7pm.

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