Corrections officers earn accolades
Two new recruits at Northland Region Corrections Facility - Paul Mohi and Bevan Rodger - have been awarded a Corrections Minister’s Excellence Award acknowledging them as frontrunners in their respective cohorts.
They join Corrections officer Raniera Whiu, who earned his excellence award in February.
The Minister’s Excellence Award was established in 2009 and recognises newly graduated corrections officers who have shown qualities of leadership, professionalism and all round excellence.
Three of the 10 awards given this year have been to NRCF officers.
Acting prison director Michael Rongo says it’s an impressive feat for one facility considering there are 16 other Corrections’ prisons.
‘‘We’re very lucky to have a number of recipients of the Minister’s Excellence Award at NRCF. It’s indicative of people repatriating themselves to Northland,’’ he says.
‘‘A lot of people born and bred in the Far North have gone away to experience life, but now they’re bringing all that experience and skill back to the North to help contribute to their community.’’
He says the Northland community was starting to see the career opportunities with the department and good numbers were being recruited in the region.
Award winners Mohi, Rodger and Whiu all came from previous professions.
Mohi served in the Royal NZ Navy, trained as a carpenter and was a foreman for Fulton Hogan before becoming a corrections officer. He was one of 60 new Corrections officers who joined the frontline in September.
Rodger, who grew up in Orauta, recently returned to Northland after living in Sydney for 17 years.
Whiu was a commercial fisherman and had experience working as a cultural adviser as well as tutoring youth and adult learners before joining the department.
Rongo says previous life skills stand new staff in good stead during their time working in prison and face-to-face with offenders every day.
‘‘What we are seeing in the new staff joining our team is passion and motivation to help change lives. Our officers are genuine, their a¯hua (character) and countenance shows they’re here for the right reasons.’’
Rongo, who received his award at a ceremony in Wellington last week, says his career offers him the chance to help offenders.
‘‘I do realise this is a journey but it’s up to us to carry on as guiding lights and to be that positive change. I want to make a difference in the lives of others and in turn help my local community build better, stronger families for the future.’’