New Zealand prisoners will be preparing their own Christmas meals this year, gaining hands-on experience in the kitchen under the guidance of qualified instructors. The initiative, announced by Commissioner Custodial Services Leigh Marsh, aims to provide inmates with valuable skills while ensuring a traditional holiday meal.
Christmas Dinner Behind Bars
For prisoners in New Zealand, Christmas lunch is a long-standing tradition: a classic roast chicken served with gravy, potatoes, peas, and carrots. A lasagne is offered as a vegetarian alternative. The evening meal provides further choice, with options including roast beef, relish salad sandwiches, tuna mayo salad sandwiches, or for vegetarians, falafel and coleslaw, or egg mayo and salad.
The cost of the Christmas meal is $11.10 per prisoner, a slight increase from the usual daily food cost of $9.80. This $1.30 difference covers the addition of two Christmas mince pies for each inmate.
Beyond the Meal: Community and Family Focus
While Christmas Day itself will follow the standard prison schedule, efforts are being made to foster connections with family and community. Family days are scheduled throughout December, allowing prisoners’ children to visit and participate in festive activities. “This can be a tough time of year for prisoners and their families, so where possible, we enable opportunities for prisoners to share special moments with their families,” Marsh said.
Inmates are also contributing to the wider community through charitable efforts. More than 400 prisoner-made goods, including quilts, knitted clothing for babies and children, and soft toys, will be donated to families in need, a result of a partnership between Auckland Regional Women’s Correctional Facility and the NZ Howard League volunteers.
Corrections staff are also actively involved in supporting the community, volunteering their time at local food banks and charities. Marsh acknowledged the dedication of staff working throughout the holiday season to maintain public safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
What will prisoners be eating for Christmas lunch?
Prisoners will have a choice of roast chicken with gravy, potatoes, peas and carrots, or a lasagne for vegetarians.
Is the Christmas meal more expensive than a regular prison meal?
Yes, the Christmas meal costs $11.10 per prisoner, which is $1.30 more than the normal daily food cost of $9.80. The additional cost covers the inclusion of two mince pies.
Are prisoners allowed to spend time with their families during the holidays?
Yes, family days are scheduled throughout December to allow prisoners’ children to visit and participate in festive activities.
As the holiday season approaches, what role do you believe rehabilitation programs should play in the corrections system?
