Ngawha inmates learning skills for post-prison life

Learning how to use a sewing machine is changing lives at Ngawha prison. Photo / Debbie Beadle

Auckland company Apparel and Ngawha prison (the Northland Region Corrections Facility - NRCF) have joined forces to offer inmates a great chance to embark upon new lives when they are released by adding sewing lessons to the work/skill programmes available to them.

The inmates begin by making pikau ('care bags'), which are relatively easy, and simple to unpick if they make a mistake. Some 600 bags were made last year, and given to children going into care throughout the country.

Apparel provides the fabric - queen-size or bigger sheets that have marks, tears or other flaws, that the prisoners turn into single sheets, pillow cases, napkins or tablecloths, a proportion of their output being donated to Women's Refuge. Some is sold by Apparel at its Whangarei outlet.

The prisoners learn to use a standard sewing machine, over-locker, industrial machine and more, and how to design and mark out patterns.

They also make the jumpsuits that inmates wear when they receive visitors, while Apparel has undertaken to employ suitable inmates upon their release.

One commission is for more than 200 sets for an 'iwi curtain bank' in Moerewa, in response to He Iwi Kotahi Tatou Trust's concern that some families cannot afford to buy curtains, and are reduced to hanging towels and blankets over their windows.

Corrections' regional communications adviser, Alta van Wyk, said the sewing workshop had initially been aimed at youth offenders, but some older/elderly inmates were now getting involved.

"These guys do amazing work, making little blankets, clothing, knitting, etc, for babies/children in local hospitals, Women's Refuges, etc. Some of them have become quite creative designers, and notwithstanding the fact that sewing is considered 'women's work' they are very proud of what they do. They also work with the [Bay of Islands charity] Bald Angels on various projects.

"The sewing workshop is a haven of calm, and Joanne Hammerton, the Corrections officer in charge of the sewing programme, does wonders in supporting the guys with their rehabilitation, while also teaching them skills and boosting their confidence."