Key Takeaways
- Prisoners in New Zealand will be cooking their own Christmas meals this year under the supervision of qualified instructors.
- The Christmas menu includes a classic roast chicken, lasagne for vegetarians, and dessert options such as mince pies.
- The cost of providing Christmas meals is $11.10 per prisoner, slightly higher than the normal daily cost of $9.80.
- Prisoners will have the opportunity to spend time with their families during family days in December.
- Inmates are giving back to the community by donating over 400 prisoner-made goods, including quilts, clothing, and soft toys, to families and children in need.
Introduction to Prison Christmas Celebrations
Prisoners in New Zealand will be taking charge of cooking their own Christmas fare this year. Under the supervision of qualified instructors, prisoners will get hands-on experience preparing the food served in prisons. According to Leigh Marsh, Commissioner of Custodial Services, this is a great opportunity for prisoners to learn new skills and take pride in their work. The Christmas menu is a classic one, with a roast chicken, potatoes, peas, and carrots being served, as well as a lasagne option for vegetarians. The evening meal will include a choice between roast beef, relish salad sandwiches, or tuna mayo salad sandwiches, with falafel and coleslaw or egg mayo and salad being offered to vegetarians.
Christmas Menu and Cost
The cost of providing these meals will be $11.10 per prisoner, which is slightly higher than the normal daily cost of $9.80. The extra $1.30 is budgeted for the mince pies that will be served as dessert. The Christmas menu is a traditional one, with a focus on hearty, comforting foods that are sure to be a hit with the prisoners. The fact that prisoners are involved in the cooking process is a great way to give them a sense of ownership and responsibility, and to help them develop new skills that they can use when they are released.
Family Days and Community Involvement
While Christmas Day itself will follow the ordinary prison daily schedule, there are family days planned throughout December where prisoners’ children can visit and engage in festive activities. This is a great way to help prisoners stay connected with their families and to provide a sense of normalcy during the holiday season. As Marsh noted, "This can be a tough time of year for prisoners and their families, so where possible, we enable opportunities for prisoners to share special moments with their families." In addition to family days, prisoners are also giving back to the community through a partnership between Auckland Regional Women’s Correctional Facility and the NZ Howard League volunteers. Over 400 prisoner-made goods, including quilts, knitted baby and children’s clothing, and soft toys, will be donated to families and children in need.
Giving Back to the Community
The prisoner-made goods are a testament to the skills and talents of the inmates, and demonstrate the positive impact that prison programs can have on individuals and the community. As Marsh said, "These sorts of programmes build a sense of purpose, pride, and confidence, which can be an important part of making positive change." The fact that prisoners are able to give back to the community in this way is a great way to help them develop a sense of social responsibility and to make amends for past mistakes. Corrections staff are also getting into the giving spirit, volunteering their time at food banks and charities for families in need. This is a great way to demonstrate the commitment of corrections staff to the community and to help make a positive impact on the lives of those in need.
Conclusion and Appreciation
In conclusion, the Christmas celebrations in New Zealand prisons are a great way to provide a sense of normalcy and comfort to prisoners during the holiday season. The fact that prisoners are involved in the cooking process and are able to give back to the community through prisoner-made goods is a great way to help them develop new skills and a sense of social responsibility. As Marsh noted, "Our incredible staff keep Corrections operating 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Even on Christmas Day, they will be working hard to keep the public safe, and I’d like to thank each and every one of them for their commitment." The dedication and hard work of corrections staff are truly appreciated, and their efforts to make a positive impact on the lives of prisoners and the community are commendable.