10 May 2012

Former MP and Mayor appointed as Chairperson for new prison community groups

Hon George Hawkins has been appointed as the Chairperson for the Community Impact Forum (CIF) and Social Impact Fund Allocation Committee (SIFAC). The two bodies have been established as part of the Board of Inquiry decision approving the designation alteration for the new men’s prison at Wiri, South Auckland. Mr Hawkins was appointed by the Minister of Corrections, Hon Anne Tolley, in consultation with the Auckland Council.

“The Department is pleased that Mr Hawkins has agreed to take on this important role. The Board of Inquiry process gave us an opportunity to hear directly from the community about their concerns – and through the process, develop ways to address them,” said Department of Corrections Deputy Chief Executive Christine Stevenson.

Working with communities is important to us and it will be a strong focus for the new prison. These two bodies will play a key role in enabling us to work with the community and ensure concerns regarding the new prison are addressed,” said Ms Stevenson.

The purpose of the Community Impact Forum is to provide a forum for community and stakeholder involvement through which any issues of community interest or concern can be raised and responded to.

The Social Impact Fund Allocation Committee’s purpose is to allocate, review and oversee the social impact fund. This fund of $250,000 annually will be made available by the Minster of Corrections to avoid, remedy or mitigate identified social and cultural effects directly attributable to the new men’s prison and the neighbouring Auckland Region Women’s Corrections Facility (ARWCF).

“Mr Hawkins brings the right skills and background to ensure the effective functioning of both the Community Impact Forum and the Social Impact Fund Allocation Committee. He has very strong connections to the community and is aware of the issues facing the South Auckland area. He will be bringing that perspective to both bodies,” Ms Stevenson said.

Mr Hawkins was MP for Manurewa for over twenty years, standing down at the 2011 General Election. He held a number of ministerial portfolios during his political career, including Police and Internal Affairs. Mr Hawkins is also a former Councillor and Mayor of Papakura City Council. He is currently a member of the Manurewa Local Board.

“I am looking forward to taking up this challenging role. These two bodies will ensure that the community is involved in a positive and meaningful way in both the new men’s prison and the ARWCF,” Mr Hawkins said.

The Community Impact Forum comprises over twenty members from community and business groups as well as government agencies The Forum has met once.

The Social Impact Fund Allocation Committee is expected to meet for the first time in August.

ENDS

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