September 14, 2022
Te reo brings laughs in prison encounter
Corrections Minister Kelvin Davis says it was uplifting to be able to speak with inmates at South Auckland Women’s Prison last week totally in te reo Maori.
He says he talked to three wahine about what they were doing to not only lead others in their journey through prison but their te reo Maori journeys as well.
“We see some amazing things from some amazing people and I’d love to see you on the outside just thriving as a Maori. it’s sad to see people in prison but to engage and the corrections officers escorting me said that was amazing, the whole interaction to and fro, having a laugh and a joke in te reo was amazing,” Mr Davis says.
He was also encouraged by a visit to Waikeria Prison where a new 100 mental health facility is being built.