Our stories & events
Diwali/Deepavali (Festival of Lights) 2021
Namaste from Regional Commissioner Lynette and Sammy from Mt Eden Corrections Facility!
Diwali celebrations are looking a little different in the Northern Region this year, but not even an ongoing global pandemic can thwart Corrections’ staff efforts to enjoy and celebrate Diwali/Deepavali (Festival of Lights) this week.
“Diwali is a celebration of lights and a time to gather with family and friends, exchange gifts and sweets, eat, sing and dance to celebrate life. For some, Diwali is also the beginning of a new year,” explains Sammy.
While they may not be able to do much celebrating in person, the team have organised for staff to gather virtually for a unique week-long Indian cultural experience, including Bollywood dance classes and delicious cooking demonstrations.
Happy Diwali!
From Community Work to paid employment
On turning up to a local planting project in Christchurch’s Red Zone, Community Work Supervisor Raviv Carasuk was thrilled to see two people who had formerly served a CW sentence now employed by the partnering organisation.
Launch of new strategy for women
The Department of Corrections has last week launched Wāhine - E rere ana ki te pae hou, the organisation’s new women’s strategy for 2021-2025.