Fewer jobs to be lost at prison
Taupo mayor David Trewavas stays true to his word by doing all he can to prevent job cuts at Tongariro/ Rangipo Prison.
The Department of Corrections announced in April that 67 prison staff could loss their jobs due to major restructuring of prisons throughout New Zealand and the development of a more modern facility in Auckland.
The announcement sent shockwaves through the small township south of Taupo from which 220 of its jobs are generated through the prison.
Trewavas was equally as shocked, having only been informed minutes before it was announced to the public and vowed to see what could be done.
He said following discussions the number of job cuts has been significantly slashed to only 30.
‘‘ The initial announcement came as a surprise to me and any job loss is very sad, but from that announcement a meeting was organised to discuss the issue, ’’ he said.
‘‘They explained the situation and the huge investment they are planning on putting into Tongariro and I pleaded with them to keep job loses to a minimum.’’
‘‘I said these people contribute greatly to the town and we have recently invested a lot of money into the revitalisation of the town centre.
‘‘They then went away to discuss the situation further and kept me well informed.’’
Trewavas said he was told a significant portion of the job cuts were due to people retiring.
‘‘ Any job loss is not attractive and there were quite a few people getting in touch with me initially but I think the offset of the job loses will be the multi million dollar investments they are putting into the prison which will serve Turangi well in the long term,’’ he said.
As part of the restructuring four 60 bed units will close at the prison while other parts will be redeveloped to improve rehabilitation and employment opportunities for prisoners.