Hon Matt Robson
Minister of Corrections, Minister for Courts
Minister for Disarmament and Arms Control
Associate Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade

News release

Out with the old, in with the new

26th January 2000 Immediate release

Corrections Minister Hon. Matt Robson will begin a tour of the North Island this week to close an old prison, visit an up-graded prison, visit a proposed prison site in the North, and finally facilitate the graduation of a new team of ‘crime-busting’ professionals whose mission is to reverse the rate of re-offending.

“This week is about sweeping out that which is old and failed, and bringing in some fresh ideas.

“There is a lot of determination and commitment out there to tackle crime, both in the community and in the prison system. I want to hear from prison and probation staff, and from locals in the communities affected by decisions to build new correctional facilities.

“I am particularly excited to present the graduation certificates to the first professional team of facilitators to specifically target re-offending with a new approach. This is an important first for Corrections.”

Thursday 27th January
10am - Matt Robson to visit Ngawha to consult with locals over the proposed Northland prison. Old Ngawha School, Ohaeawai Community Cultural Reserve, SH12 (before Ngawha Springs and Kaikohe.)

Friday 28th January
9am – Matt Robson to take a final tour of the Wanganui City Prison. Wanganui City Prison, Marie Place Extension, Wanganui.

10.30am – Matt Robson to tour Kaitoke prison to look through some of the new buildings, the self-care unit and the prison industry operations. A van will take media from Wanganui. Contact Karyn McLean for details on (04) 460 3068

1.30 – Matt Robson to present certificates to graduates of the Integrated Offender Management training programme, and make a short speech. Horticultural School, Hamilton Gardens, Hamilton East (Grey Street entrance to Gardens)

Further comment:
Josie Harbutt, press sec. 025 5888 60 (04) 470 6676

© Scoop Media