Prison reformer knighted

A ‘‘bloody-minded’’ prison and justice reformer from Levin has become a Knight Companion in the New Year honours.

Kim Workman, of Nga¯ti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa, received the honour for services to prisoner welfare and the justice sector.

He said the honour was ‘‘totally unexpected’’ and that he and his wife, Carolyn, had struggled to take it in.

‘‘We were absolutely gobsmacked,’’ he said. ‘‘Just thinking of all the years we’ve been fighting for a different approach to prison reform . . . it’s an acknowledgement of persistence rather than success.

‘‘Eventually people are taking notice of what we are doing. There is a place for someone who is bloody-minded.’’

His whakapapa (ancestors) had not been given to warfare but rather passive resistance, he said, and this had informed his work in prison reform too.

‘‘Ultimately, I believe justice will prevail – that’s the value system we have had.’’

Workman, who was awarded a Queen’s Service Order in 2007, was instrumental in the launch of the Rethinking Crime and Punishment strategy and the establishment of JustSpeak, an organisation of young people that worked for change in the criminal justice system.

The retired public servant had served roles in the police, Ofoice of the Ombudsman, the State Services Commission, the Department of Ma¯ori Affairs, and the Ministry of Health.

He said the honour was tinged with a strange sadness as he had always been intimidated to talk to people with titles.

‘‘I hope my mates still find it in their hearts to talk to me,’’ he joked.