Insights from the inside.

After more than three decades with the Department of Corrections, Senior Custody Officer Vic has witnessed the revolving door of reoffending countless times. But since the Navigate Initiative (NI) began five years ago, he's noticed something remarkable: the men aren't coming back.

"In the 32 years I've been here, I've seen guys come in and out so many times it's not funny," Vic reflects. "One of the things I've noticed now is they're not coming back as often, and that's a good thing."

As part of the NI unit since its inception in 2018, Vic admits he was initially sceptical. "I wasn't sure how it was going to work. It was kind of 'let's sit back and see what develops'," he says.

What developed has impressed even this veteran officer. He's witnessed significant positive changes, particularly in the Tū Ora's behaviour and engagement with the programme.

One of the most surprising elements for Vic has been seeing how the men embrace opportunities they might never have considered before.

"Take the writers' group. Different guys who have jumped into that writers' group have concentrated and immersed themselves in it. You hear the laughter and carry on, and they're writing stories, and I think 'wow, I never thought this guy would do that'."

It's a similar story with music workshops, where Tū Ora learn to play ukuleles or drums, or join in with singing. "Just when you think you know people, they come out of their comfort zone," Vic observes. "It's great to see different guys having a go at different workshops when they've probably never had that opportunity before."

The NI unit operates differently from standard prison units. Tū Ora maintain a routine that mirrors life in the community—cooking meals, cleaning, working during the day, and participating in workshops or activities in the evenings.

"For the guys here long-term, the transition should be a lot easier because you've got a routine of cooking, getting up, coming back and cleaning, which is what you do when you're released," Vic explains.

Community outings are another crucial element of the reintegration process. Vic particularly enjoys accompanying Tū Ora as they navigate supermarkets, libraries, banks, and other everyday environments—experiences many of us take for granted but which can be overwhelming for someone who has been incarcerated for years.

"I've taken guys on their first visit to the supermarket and had different responses. One guy refused to get out of the van, but I talked to him and calmed him down, and he eventually went in. Another guy froze as soon as he walked into the supermarket because the last time he went shopping was years ago at a Four Square. Now, you've got a Pac n' Save the size of a mall. They’re just blown away."

While the NI unit still operates within the prison system, Vic notes there's considerably less tension than in regular units. "We've still got to run it the same, but there's a lot less tension in here, which I like, and you can probably have better relationships with staff and Tū Ora, just with the easy-going nature of it. We try as much as possible to not make it like a regular unit."

The positive environment is something Vic values greatly, though he admits it's frustrating when individuals squander their opportunity. "It's so frustrating when you put a bit of time into them and they muck it up... You hope they're not going to do that when they get out. You hope they turn a corner."

After five years witnessing the NI in action, Vic is convinced of its effectiveness. "I think the NI has got good concepts and works well in this unit, this type of environment which is a self-care unit," he says.

He believes the model could benefit other regions throughout New Zealand, but emphasises the importance of having an organisation like Pathway to run it.

"I think we're very lucky in a way that Pathway is here in Christchurch... It'd be of value in other areas of New Zealand and could work, but there needs to be an organisation like Pathway to run it. Pathway understands how things work and understands that journey with the guys. That lays a good foundation."

The value of Vic's testimony cannot be overstated—coming from someone who has witnessed the prison system evolve over three decades, his endorsement of the Navigate Initiative carries significant weight. What began as scepticism has transformed into genuine belief in the programme's effectiveness. These on-the-ground insights from experienced corrections officers like Vic affirm the Navigate Initiative's real-world impact in reducing reoffending and creating meaningful, sustainable change in the lives of Tū Ora.

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