There won't be much variation in meals for those in prison across the country on Christmas Day.
File image. Photo: Unsplash / Tom Blackout
Corrections plans to serve roast chicken vegetables for lunch and corned beef and salad sandwiches for dinner - with two fruit mince tarts to mark the day - to about 8550 people in 17 prisons on 25 December.
While the menu is similar to what's been served to prisoners on Christmas for "many years", they'll be getting - where possible - additional sports and other activities.
Corrections national commissioner Rachel Leota said: "Christmas Day is much the same as any other day in prison...
"We know Christmas can be a really difficult time for people in prison and their families, so we hold whānau activities in December where kids can read books, make gifts and play games with their mum or dad to celebrate the season."
Giving back in the giving season
Corrections said staff and people in prison had been contributing to the community in the build up to Christmas.
Invercargill Prison inmates made crochet reindeer for children, while those at Otago Corrections Facility built toys for children spending Christmas in hospital. Photo: Supplied / Corrections
Men at Invercargill Prison have been busy making crochet reindeer for children of prisoners, while men at Otago Corrections Facility used their carpentry skills to build toys for children spending Christmas in hospital.
Produce grown by prisoners all around New Zealand has been donated to local foodbanks and charities.
Staff at prisons and Community Corrections offices across the country were collecting gifts for both children of prisoners and local charities.
"Christmas gives people in prison the opportunity to give back, which we know provides a sense of purpose and pride and helps them feel connected to the community. This can be an important step towards making positive changes in their lives," Leota said.
"Corrections operates a 24-hour service 365 days a year, so I'd like to acknowledge our frontline staff who will be working this Christmas. Thank you for your commitment to making a difference for the people we manage and keeping our prisons and communities safe throughout the holiday period."
Produce grown by prisoners at Auckland Prison for the local Salvation Army. Photo: Supplied / Corrections