The Faith Unit

In October 2003 a 60-bed the faith unit opened at Rimutaka Prison, near Wellington. In a unique partnership between the Department of Corrections and Prison Fellowship New Zealand, the department provided the custodial staff, and Prison Fellowship ran an 18-month Christian development programme.

Twenty percent of all offenders who enter prison identify that they have a spiritual need. This unit provides an opportunity for inmates to explore the Christian faith, and to surround themselves with Christian support on release.

The programme was developed in consultation with representatives of the mainstream Christian denominations. It is an interdenominational strategy, involving church members as teachers and facilitators. The spiritual transformation program focuses on the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

At He Korowai Whakapono:

The faith ethos is reflected in an 18 month long spiritual transformation program, a prayer-centred daily routine, and regular worship and study with teachers and facilitators from local churches

Prisoners are confronted with the harm they have done to others, and challenged to restore relationships with their victims, with family members and the wider community. That in turn motivates them to address the behaviour which triggers offending, including violence, drug and alcohol abuse and other inappropriate behaviour.

Trained Christian mentors work on a one to-one basis with the prisoners eight months before they leave the prison, and for up to two years after they are released. The mentors are supported by their church, which undertakes to provide the offender and their family with moral and spiritual support after release.  This approach empowers offenders and volunteers alike to take responsibility for restoring personal, family and community relationships.

Prisoners who volunteer for He Korowai Whakapono

• Commit to  the Christian faith, and through the support of a faith community, develop into  mature members of the church;

• Achieve a positive attitude and positive values through spiritual transformation;

• Treat each other with respect, and demonstrate empathy and compassion for other prisoners, for their families, and for their victims;

• Are motivated to change their behaviour.  They are more likely than other prisoners to attend rehabilitative programs, to change their behaviour, and to set positive goals for the future;

• Take personal responsibility for the harm they have done to others, and take steps to restore  relationships with their victims, with family, and with the wider community, through seeking forgiveness, love and reconciliation;

• Reintegrate successfully with their families/whanau and the community on release, through a combination of community accountability and support

• Demonstrate reduced offending behaviour.

A Community of Restoration

Built on a firm foundation of Christ-centred leadership, the faith-based approach successfully empowers inmates and volunteers alike to take responsibility for solving their personal and communal problems. Careful programming ensures that the incremental change process is successful in restoring the inmate to their peers, family and the community.

Naming the Faith Based Unit - He Korowai Whakapono
Murder in the unit
Andy's Story
Brenda's Story
Johnny's Story
Kate's Story
Richards Story