Prison fellowship

Tu Tangata, Issue 32, 1 October 1986, Page 47

Prison fellowship

by Papa Uncle Ressiaano

John Rangihau, a colorful man who cares for those in captivity, maori 8r european prisoners call him colourful names such as, chief John, Rangatira John, Sir John, John the imprisoned saints, or John the Divine father. Father John has given the crims faith in human beings since he’s been on the board.

A former member of the maori battalion, author, executive director maori affairs department and now a dedicated and tireless member of the national prison parole board, which meets twice a year for long term prisoners.

Paparua prison is the biggest in the south island, a very special place for very special people as the guests of the government and the taxpayers, an Aussie former inmate call it a 12 star holiday resort, another home away from home, and yet society is seeking harsher penalties for crime. GREYMOUTH county council wants capital punishment restored for serious crime. These people calling for tougher punishment are in a world of their own ‘out of mind out of space’ mentally.

Prison fellowship & discussion groups, vital. Prison fellowship & discussion groups have a vital role to play in the changes which are likely to take place in the New Zealand prison system, says the Secretary for Justice, Mr Jim Callahan. Care would involve welfare, social, educational and recreational agencies in prisons and in the community to combine for a programme aimed at intergrating the prisoner back into the community on his release, said Mr Callanhan, a man of new ideas and new direction.

Our Leaders do care.

MAORI affairs visit to Papakura prison. On behalf of the authorities, staff

and inmates, I wish to convey our appreciation to the visitors for coming along to have a chat to the prisoners and to show that our leaders do care about people in jail. They are of paramount importance, tatou tatou katoa, altogetherness is the theme of the visit.

Visitors.

Mr Neville Baker, Dept Maori Affairs, Wellington.

Mr John Rangihau, Wellington. Mr Albie Williams, Auckland. Mr Jules Ferris, Christchurch. Mr Joe Karetai, chairman Te Waipounamu maori land advisory committee, Christchurch.

Mr Bert Mackie, Board Maori Affairs, chairman Te Waipounamu Dist. Maori Council.

Mr Jim Manahi, Ratana minister, kaumatua.

Mrs Jane Manahi, Te Kohanga Reo.

Mr Arthur Kapa, Matau Whangai. Kuia Nihoniho, Te Kohanga Reo. Rev Wato Tahere, Methodist minister, kaumatua, Christchurch.

kuamutu nga mihi.