Asenati Lole-Taylor
New Zealand First Spokesperson for
Corrections
July 25, 2014
Prisoners Involvement in Rebuild Has Merit
New Zealand First says the opportunity for prisoners to be involved in rebuilding earthquake damaged Christchurch houses
is a small step in the right direction – but it has taken too long to get started.
“I would like to congratulate the Department of Corrections and Housing New Zealand staff for their work in getting the
project under way,” says Spokesperson for Corrections Asenati Lole-Taylor. “Unfortunately, it is well over three years
since the big earthquake in Christchurch.”
The project will focus on Red-Zoned houses being repaired by prisoners and community offenders at the Rolleston Prison
Constructions Yard over the next five years.
“New Zealand First has been calling for a greater focus on rehabilitation for years. By working on Housing New Zealand
damaged homes prisoners have a chance to learn valuable skills which will help them transition back into the community,
and through the work they are putting something back into the community.
“New Zealand First believes this approach should be extended to other prisons, such as the Spring Hill Corrections
Facility and Northland Region Corrections Facility.
“However, there should be caution when funding projects like this in privately run prisons.
“Having prisoners help out with community projects is a win-win situation for everyone concerned – the Corrections
Department, Housing New Zealand, the prisoners, community organisations and the wider public,” says Mrs Lole-Taylor.
ENDS