What prisoners will tuck into on Christmas Day

Inmates in New Zealand's prisons will be tucking into roast chicken and apple pie on Christmas Day

Prisoners who are serving long sentences won't notice anything remarkable with their Christmas meal, which is very similar to those served over the last five years.

A lunch of roast chicken, gravy, roast potatoes, carrots, green peas, two slices of bread and an apple pie will be on dinner trays in prisons around the country.

In 2013, 2012, 2011, and 2010 prisoners tucked in to the same meal, with small differences.

In 2010 watermelon was served, and in 2012 some prisoners had beef rather than chicken.

National Commissioner Jeremy Lightfoot said the day was marked appropriately, but not extravagantly.

"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.

"A number of charities, such as Pillars and Prison Fellowship, are helping the families of prisoners to ensure that they do not go without as we recognise that this time can be difficult for prisoners' friends and families," Mr Lightfoot said.

"We're committed to doing all we can to make this day easier for the children of prisoners."

The main meal of the day would be Christmas Day lunch.

The prisoners will prepare about 8600 meals at a cost of about $5.30 per prisoner.

"The Christmas Day meal is in line with recommended nutrition guidelines from the Ministry of Health," Mr Lightfoot said.

Dinner would be sandwiches. In other years, prisoners have had cold meats and salads for dinner.

Some prisons would be holding extra family days with food prepared by the prisoners, with some staff and members of the public donating food and presents to the families.

"A large number of prisoners are using arts and crafts learnt in prison to make presents for families and friends," Mr Lightfoot said.

Others would be able to contact family via audio-visual links.

"We know that maintaining family ties and support networks is vital in helping with rehabilitation and reintegration so it's important they are able to keep in touch. A virtual visit is much more meaningful than a phone call," Mr Lightfoot said.

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This year's Christmas lunch doesn't differ much from the last five years:

2014: Roast chicken, gravy, roast potatoes, carrots, green peas, two slices of bread, and an apple pie.

2013: Roast chicken, gravy, roast potatoes, carrots, green peas, two slices of bread, and an apple pie.

2012: Roast beef or chicken with gravy and vegetables.

2011: Roast chicken, roast potatoes, carrots and peas with apple pie

2010: Chicken, vegetables and two slices of watermelon.