Receives prison ban
I don’t have a lot of time for Destiny Church, but if there’s a programme that’s helping prisoners address their issues and become better people then I’m all for it’ KELVIN DAVIS
him break a cycle of drugs, violence and gangs he had been stuck in for most of his life.
‘‘It’s had a good effect on me and my whole family,’’ he said. ‘‘Even my siblings and old associates are looking at Man Up now, because of the changes that I’ve made.’’
Warren was told he was no longer welcome at the prison when he arrived for a routine visit on Wednesday.
Prison director Mike Inglis said he recognised the importance of spiritual guidance for prisoners, but Man Up was not approved to deliver services at the prison.
‘‘Prisoners can speak to either of Kohuora’s chaplains, or be referred by the chaplaincy team to people from other faiths as appropriate,’’ he said.
An internal email from case management manager Amy Culley made clear to staff that Man Up would not be facilitated at the prison. The email was leaked by a Serco employee who was angry about the decision to ban Man Up, and felt it unfairly targeted Destiny Church.
‘‘We’re supposed to reduce reoffending for Maori, and Man Up plays a part in that,’’ the employee said. ‘‘I’m not saying it works for everyone, but it certainly helps some men.’’
The employee spoke on the condition of anonymity as they were not permitted to speak to media.
Sunday News understands a case manager has resigned in protest over the decision; they are reportedly the fifth case manager to quit Serco in recent months amid concerns over the private prison operator’s management.
Warren said he wanted an explanation about why Man Up had been banned.
Labour’s corrections spokesman Kelvin Davis said external providers deserved feedback.
‘‘I don’t have a lot of time for Destiny Church, but if there’s a programme that’s helping prisoners address their issues and become better people then I’m all for it,’’ he said.
Davis said he was aware of several contractors that had been axed recently, also without being given any reason.
‘‘Everyone is entitled to feedback about their performance so they have an opportunity to improve what they’re doing, whether it’s Destiny or Joe Bloggs,’’ he said.
Baggs said it was disappointing other prisoners wouldn’t have the same chance to access Man Up.
‘‘Honestly, I think it’s quite pathetic,’’ he said.
The Department of Corrections said while it was unlawful to discriminate on the grounds of religious belief, decisions about which visitors were approved were ultimately at the discretion of prison management.