Minister congratulates new Corrections graduates
Hon Kelvin Davis
Minister of Corrections
14
December 2017
MEDIA STATEMENT
Minister congratulates new Corrections graduates
Corrections Minister
Kelvin Davis has congratulated 20 new Corrections officers
and offender employment instructors who graduated at a
ceremony in Upper Hutt today.
“This is the first graduation I have attended as Minister and I was impressed to see Corrections attract so many high calibre women and men from all walks of life,” Mr Davis says.
“Corrections frontline staff work face-to-face with offenders every day. It’s not always an easy job, and I’m grateful for the work they do in motivating prisoners to change their lives so we can reduce re-offending and keep our communities safe.”
Patricia Parkin from Christchurch Women’s Prison was presented with the Minister’s Excellence Award and Recognition Pin, acknowledging her leadership, professionalism and outstanding contribution throughout the 12 week training programme.
Patricia moved to New Zealand in 2009 and has spent a number of years working as a care assistant and a facilitator for youth group, Q-Topia.
“Patricia’s passion for helping people will serve her well in her new role and she will no doubt find this new career path incredibly rewarding,” Mr Davis says.
“This was also the first time a Recognition Pin has
been presented to the award recipient. I hope the pin, with
its silver and blue hei matau (fish hook) design, becomes a
source of pride, strength and support for Patricia and
future recipients.”
The new graduates will work at Mt
Eden, Auckland Region Women’s, Spring Hill and Otago
corrections facilities, and Waikeria, Tongariro and
Christchurch Men’s and Women’s
prisons.
ends