''I thought they'd look down their noses at me, but it really hit me when the waka was unveiled and the whole room, full of judges and his family, burst into tears .. and I realised I can do good.''
The prisoner said he had had a rough upbringing and had been a gang president, but had left that behind to focus on carving. He was in the workshop almost seven days a week.
''We only get paid crumbs, but it's the skills I'm earning.''
Those skills have been recognised by Arts Access Aotearoa and the Parole Board sees carving as a viable employment option once he is released. Next week he will move to a self-care unit outside the wire, the last step before his release.
''I used to think no one would want to employ me when I get out, but now I've got my job right here,'' he said, showing his hands.
Ngawha Prison's whakairo programme currently has eight carefully selected inmates and two tutors. One is Israe Paraone, who has a Master's degree in fine arts, and the other is an inmate serving a 22-year sentence who also transferred from Paremoremo. A self-taught painter, illustrator and carver, he discovered an extraordinary artistic talent behind bars.
Corrections contracts manager Mark Lynds said the community benefited from the carving projects the inmates worked on and because they were less likely to reoffend once released.
''I've seen the change in the men that go through the workshop. They become different people, who have dreams and aspirations that don't involve criminal intent.''
Public works by Ngawha prisoners include a 2m-long waka for Tikipunga High School's bilingual unit, seats along an Orewa walkway and carvings for a new preschool at Ohaeawai. They are currently working on a series of carvings for Whangaparaoa College and are about to start a project for Ohaeawai School.
The prison currently offers a level four NorthTec course in drawing and design and plans a level 3 carving course.