A visit by Corrections Minister Judith Collins to Christchurch prisons last week saw new officer Philip Haywood presented with a Ministers Excellence Award at an impromptu ceremony.

Phil was in Wellington, attending the Department’s six week initial training course for new staff on February 22nd, when the earthquake struck. He and five members of the class from Christchurch were sent home immediately, missing their graduation, to be with their families and check on their homes.

“At the end of the initial training course it is usual for a member of the class to be presented with the Minister’s award in recognition of their outstanding achievement during training,” says Christchurch Women’s Prison Manager Wayne McKnight.

“Due to the earthquake, the Christchurch staff attending the training didn’t graduate, and the Ministers Excellence Award wasn’t presented in the normal way.”

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“Coincidentally, the Minister visited the prison last week to speak to staff and see how they were holding up, and view some of the work that was being done by prisoners to support wider relief efforts for the community.”

“She also joined our staff for lunch and took the opportunity to commend Phil on his results during the course and announce to the group that he was the recipient of her Minister’s Excellence Award.”

“Phil had a 15 year career in the IT industry before coming to work at Christchurch Women’s Prison, and previous to that he worked for the Ministry of Transport before it was merged with the NZ Police. He’s a very welcome addition to our team of 54 custodial staff, and by all accounts seems to be enjoying his new role.”

ENDS

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