Community work parties have mobilised quickly in Christchurch this week to help communities clean up liquefaction resulting from Monday's quakes.

“While a number of community based offenders are focusing on removing the sludge from their own properties or caring for their children, five work parties armed with shovels and wheelbarrows have been working in the eastern suburbs today, and work parties will continue for as long as work is available,” says Nick Scott, Christchurch Area Manager for Community Probation Services.

“After the February earthquake we had a lot of feedback about how much the help from community work parties was appreciated. The offenders themselves are happy to be helping where they can – already we have offenders offering to come back and help for the rest of the week, when usually they would only do one day a week.”

“For the rest of the week the efforts of the work parties will focus on clearing liquefaction from Ti Rakeau Drive; Linwood Avenue; Doreen, Carteret, Rouses, Hampshire, Aldershot and Gosport Streets, and surrounding streets. Usually our work is focused on non-profit organisations and community groups, but we recognise that in this situation there are elderly and more vulnerable individuals who also need us, and we’re answering those calls for help as we go.”

“We’ll also be assisting recovery efforts at Nga Hau E Wha Marae, which has been a hub for our Probation Officers working alongside Court operations running form the marae.

“The February quake also showed us the power of working together more closely. Within minutes of Monday’s aftershocks we were quickly able to reassemble across our three service arms in Christchurch (CPS, Prison Services and Rehabilitation and Reintegration Services) and immediately assess the needs of our staff and put in place support for them.”

The offenders are supervised by Community Work Supervisors from CPS, with some assistance from staff from Canterbury Prisons, which were largely unaffected by the latest aftershocks. Lunches for the workers and staff are being provided from prison kitchens, which employ and train prisoners in catering and hospitality.

Community work requires offenders to do unpaid work in the community for non-profit organisations as a way of making up for their offending. Sentences range from 40 hours to 400 hours and must be completed within a set time.

ENDS

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