‘Unacceptable’: Whanganui Corrections staff member critically injured in assault at workplace

Police guard the Whanganui Community Corrections office where a staff member was critically injured during an assault. Photo / Eva de Jong

A staff member has been critically injured after an assault at Whanganui Community Corrections in the central city.

In a statement, Corrections described how staff had “intervened and subdued the offender” during the assault at the Wilson St service centre about 10am on Wednesday.

Department of Corrections communities, partnerships and pathways director Glenn Morrison said a staff member was taken to hospital.

“While we are limited in the information we can provide at this stage, we understand their condition is not life-threatening.

“I would like to acknowledge our Corrections staff who intervened and subdued the offender,” he said.

Morrison commended the efforts of staff who showed “extreme bravery” in restraining and securing the offender until police arrived, as well as providing first aid to their colleague.

Police said they found the alleged offender nearby and took them into custody without incident.

A cordon remained outside the service centre as of 1.30pm, with one officer standing guard and two police vehicles parked outside.

The office was closed for the day, and all staff were being supported, Morrison said.

“Our staff come to work every day to keep our communities safe and this sort of violence against our staff is unacceptable.

“We appreciate this would have been an extremely distressing incident for them and are offering them our full support.”

Hato Hone St John said it took the injured staff member “in a critical condition” to Whanganui Hospital. Police are investigating the circumstances of the incident.

Eva de Jong is a reporter for the Whanganui Chronicle covering health stories and general news. She began as a reporter in 2023.