Rotorua Community Partnership and bronze awards recognise those helping to make a difference for offenders

Individuals and organisations have been recognised for the meaningful work they do in helping offenders make up for their offending, and making a positive difference.

The local Community Partnership and Bronze Awards ceremony took place yesterdayat Rotorua Community Corrections.

The recipients of the Community Partnership Awards were Mana Social Services, NZ Welding School, Habitat for Humanity Store, Western Heights Primary School, Ngongataha Rail Park, Link People Rotorua and Taratahi Agriculture Course.

The work these recipients undertake with Community Corrections include providing support services for those who do not meet the criteria for rehabilitative services, taking enrolments from offenders, providing community work placements and supporting offenders with health, wellbeing and housing.

As well as the Community Partnership Awards, two bronze awards for selected staff members were presented.

These went to team members Jo Lyford and Emma Van Twuiver.

They will then go in the running for the regional silver awards, which is followed by the national gold awards.

Louise Wood, Department of Corrections operations director for the central region, said the awards were held every year.

She said the awards were one of her favourite and happiest days in her working life.

"We do such a difficult job and we get so busy that we don't have the opportunity to acknowledge people's work sometimes.

"It's a great opportunity to take the time to say thank you."

Western Heights Primary School principal Brent Griffin said they had been an agency sponsor for more than 10 years.

He said people who had minor offences and hours to complete for community service meet with him and the school caretaker, Henry Te Paea.

Griffin said if they believed the person was suitable to be part of the school they gave them the opportunity to work hours off supporting Te Paea and doing work mainly on the school grounds.

"I think we have to give people an opportunity to repay a debt. You've been involved in something that's not ideal but people need an opportunity to do that and in the same time support the community."

It had been exciting to help people on their pathways, and it was also exciting to be at the awards, Griffin said.

"I know, for Henry, he is passionate about helping some of our youth in particular. He is keen and passionate to get them on track.

"Our award is more about him than our school."