Prisoners cooking Christmas Day meals at Whanganui Prison

The Christmas Day meal at Whanganui Prison will be prepared by the prisoners with each meal costing $10.50 per person. Photo / NZME.

Prisoners will be preparing and cooking the meals served on Christmas Day in Whanganui Prison this year.

Department of Corrections commissioner custodial services Leigh Marsh said all meals were prepared by prisoners taking part in industry training and employment in prison kitchens, under the supervision of qualified instructors.

“People in prison have the opportunity to give back to the community in the lead up to Christmas, because we know this provides a sense of purpose and pride,” Marsh said.

“It can be an important step towards making positive changes in their lives.”

He said the hands-on experience provided valuable skills, helping to prepare prisoners for employment and successful reintegration upon their release.

Corrections provides basic and nutritious meals for prisoners on Christmas Day and the menu is the same across all of New Zealand’s prisons.

On this year’s Christmas menu, lunch would be a serving of roast chicken with gravy and a side of peas, carrots, and potatoes.

The evening meal will be roast beef and salad sandwiches, and egg and mayo sandwiches, with two traditional fruit mince tarts to mark the occasion.

Marsh said it was the same meal that has been served for a number of years.

A vegetarian option of vegetable lasagna would be available for lunch, with tomato and salad sandwiches and egg and mayo sandwiches for the evening meal.

Marsh said Christmas could be a difficult time for both prisoners and their families.

“While Christmas Day in prison is similar to any other day in terms of routine, we make sure to introduce extra activities wherever possible.

“That’s why we also run special family days in December at sites around the country, giving children a chance to visit their parents in prison to engage in crafts, games, and other activities that help make the season special.”

The standard Christmas menu for 2024 will cost $10.50 per prisoner for the day. This includes the normal daily food cost of $9.50, plus $1 for the two Christmas mince tarts.

Marsh said Corrections staff would be working through the holiday period, including on Christmas Day.

“Corrections operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and our frontline staff continue to work tirelessly to keep our communities safe,” he said.

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