Bringing the community 'behind the wire'

The Department of Corrections and the Pathway Trust are to start a new pilot programme at Christchurch Men's Prison later this year, aimed at reducing reoffending. 57 per cent of released inmates are reconvicted within two years, and New Zealand's prison population is ballooning. The Navigate Initiative will bring community groups behind the wire to work with a small group of inmates in their final months before release, supporting them to build life and employment skills as well as physical and mental health. The pilot, which is the first of its kind, is being funded by individuals, businesses, groups and churches within the community who purchase one thousand dollar "supporter shares".