Bay of Islands restaurant 35 Degrees South offering vacancies to released prisoners

35 Degrees South will offer employment to released prisoners over summer.

The Department of Corrections and a Bay of Islands restaurant have signed a memorandum of understanding to provide employment opportunities for released offenders.

35 Degrees South will offer hospitality vacancies over the summer season to released prisoners and community-based offenders who have been vetted and are deemed eligible for such employment.

About 25 summer vacancies in total are available, with 15 roles for waiters and front-of-house staff, and 10 for chefs.

"Our restaurant is committed to help finding local solutions to local problems. By engaging with key stakeholders, such as the Department of Corrections, we can provide employment opportunities that will give people a second chance and help them turn their lives around," said Sarah Greener, owner and operator of 35 Degrees South Aquarium Restaurant & Bar.

Ms Greener said in the past they had found it difficult to find suitable staff.

"Now we are much clearer about how we are as a business and communicate, the better we are finding great fits for the business."

Karl Bethell, Corrections project manager of offender employment in the northern region, said: "The agreement fully supports Corrections' goal to reduce re-offending through real jobs.

"Opportunities like this help offenders build positive and pro-social networks, further develop communication skills and self-identity, and promote their financial independence."

The restaurant would also be supporting the offender employees with budgeting and financial management advice, and would help them set up savings accounts so they could better provide for their families, Mr Bethell said.

Ms Greener said the kitchen side of the restaurant business was more difficult to staff because of a general chef shortage in New Zealand and the rest of the world, and had been a challenge during the past few years.

"We are fortunate enough to have Martin Bosley working with us at the restaurant and designing menus for us.

"Martin has been involved in a Department of Corrections project at the Rimutaka Prison including the Gate to Plate event during Wellington Visa on the Plate, and he suggested working with the Department of Corrections would be win-win - and so far it has been great.

"The team at Corrections are professional and easy to deal with and we are looking forward to seeing lots of positive outcomes come out of the MOU in the future," Ms Greener said.