Prison Christmas meal 'too lavish'

TOO GENEROUS: The Christmas spirit was a little unwilling towards the Christmas meal served in New Zealand prisons, judging by reaction to this photo on Facebook.

The Christmas meal in prison this year provoked strong reaction from Times-Age Facebook readers when they were shown what it looked like.

Many expressed dismay over the meal, arguing it was too generous for prisoners, and would likely be better than many households.

In prisons throughout New Zealand, the prisoners themselves will prepare approximately 8600 meals of roast chicken, gravy, roast potatoes, carrots, green peas, two slices of bread, and an apple pie. It is served at lunchtime, with an evening meal of sandwiches.

National Commissioner Jeremy Lightfoot says the day will be marked appropriately, however, will not be extravagant.

"It will be a day of routine and reflection with many of the normal activities taking place. For many prisoners, it will be a day spent thinking of friends and families in different parts of the country."

There are no visits on Christmas Day.

The Times-Age Facebook audience was shown the picture of the Christmas meal, as supplied by the Department of Corrections.

It received 117 comments, and reached over 10,000 people.

"What's wrong with gruel and water?" asked Chris Wright.

Kathy Kerrison said she might commit a crime before Christmas to get a "good feed" because her Christmas dinner was not going to be that good.

Jordon Nation said a small portion of cabbage soup would be more appropriate. "Prisons are too lavish these days."

But others defended the meal.

Phineas Hartson said we should be thankful to live in a country that treats prisoners humanely.

Te Whetu Waaka reminded readers of the reality of prison.

"Don't forget they also get locked in their cells at night till morning, have to sleep next to a toilet, get told what they can eat, when they can eat it, who can visit them and when.

Cut them some slack, it's one bloody meal and its Christmas."