The management of Auckland Central Remand Prison (ACRP) will today present $12,000 to community programmes aimed to stop the spread of methamphetamine.

At a ceremony this morning at Hoani Waititi Marae in Glen Eden, ACRP General Manager Dom Karauria said the contribution was a continuation of the prison's ongoing programme to assist inmates reintegrate into the community and to keep drug free.

"It is obvious to our staff that the community has a key role to play in assisting inmates reintegrate successfully and make the transition from prison back to their families and community," said Mr Karauria.

"Our communities must be equipped and able to assist in this process."

Mr Karauria said the increase in availability of 'P' was an issue facing many inmates on their release from prison.

"It is so important that that those released from prison have every chance possible to lead productive and rewarding lives. An educated and resourced community has a key role to play in keeping vulnerable people away from 'P'."

Mr Karauria said ACRP immediately saw the value of this Marae-based programme in helping the successful reintegration of ex-inmates back into the community, and were pleased to be able to support it.

The programme is headed by Pita Sharples.

"Most of the inmates at ACRP are Maori, from the Northland and Auckland regions, so community and marae-based reintegration programmes run by Maori are the logical extension of the programmes we currently have in place at ACRP.

"Extending ACRP's relationships into the community and making connections with community groups and programmes will help strengthen the social fabric and prevent further people from slipping through," he said.

Mr Karauria said today's ceremony, and ACRP's contribution, would create a valuable link between senior management who work with inmates in prison and those community groups who will work with inmates upon their release.

"We are delighted to be able to provide some support for such a worthwhile project. While methamphetamine is a threat to all New Zealand communities, it is a threat that communities can defeat."

The ceremony will take place at the Hoani Waititi Marae in Glen Eden at 11am today.

© Scoop Media