Justice system work honoured

Kim Workman grew up in Greytown. PHOTO/FILE

Further honours have been bestowed on a former Greytown man who has had a virtual lifetime involvement in crime prevention and the criminal justice system.

Kim Workman's 57-year career is being recognised with an honorary doctorate from Victoria University, Wellington.

Mr Workman, of Ngati Kahungunu ki Wairarapa and Rangitaane, grew up in Greytown and served as a police officer in Masterton from 1965 to 1969 during a 17-year career in the force, shifting to the Wellington Police Youth Aid section and later becoming a senior investigating officer in the Office of the Ombudsman.

He worked in several government ministries, including Maori Affairs and Health and, with the Department of Justice, oversaw major reform of the prison service.

Mr Workman was awarded a senior executive scholarship by the States Services Commission, which allowed him to attend and graduate from the Graduate Business School at Stanford University in California.

In 2007 Mr Workman was honoured in the Queen's Birthday Honours with a QSO.

Now retired and living in Lower Hutt, Mr Workman continues to be a prominent advocate for just, humane and effective criminal justice policies.

Victoria University Chancellor Sir Neville Jordan said yesterday Mr Workman is "highly deserving of the honour".

"Mr Workman's life-long contribution has had, and continues to have, a profoundly positive and lasting impact on New Zealand's justice system."

He was involved in establishing Justspeak, a national youth movement advocating positive reform in the criminal justice system. Sir Neville said prisoners, victims, their families, justice professionals and advocates have all benefited from Mr Workman's "intelligent and progressive work".

"Throughout his career, Mr Workman has shown incredible passion, vision and persistence. The university is proud to count him as part of its alumni community," he said.

Mr Workman was admitted to the degree of Doctor of Literature yesterday.