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A new trade training complex at Christchurch Men’s Prison will prepare prisoners to help in the rebuilding of Christchurch, Corrections Minister Judith Collins said today.

The three workshops will provide training in plumbing, roofing and drainlaying, painting and decorating, and automotive engineering to around 130 extra prisoners annually.

Ms Collins, who officially opened the workshops this morning, says prisoners will be prioritised for training based on their upcoming release date and their willingness to help in Christchurch.

Corrections Minister Judith Collins announced today that more prisoners would receive trade and employment training to help meet the demand for these skills in the Christchurch recovery.

“The second Christchurch earthquake has generated a huge demand for trade skills as the rebuild gets underway. To meet this demand, the Department of Corrections will be ramping up trade training in the areas of highest demand,” Ms Collins said.

Inmates at the three Canterbury prisons have been put to work helping the people of Christchurch following the 22 February earthquake, Corrections Minister Judith Collins said.

Since the earthquake prisoners from Christchurch Men’s Prison, Christchurch Women’s Prison and Rolleston Prison have assembled thousands of emergency packs of food and other necessities for Christchurch residents.

Low-risk offenders on community work have also been clearing streets and helping schools get up and running.

Police Minister Judith Collins has thanked her Australian counterparts for the assistance of Australian Police officers following the devastating Christchurch earthquake.

Ms Collins has written to the Federal Government and the Police Ministers from South Australia, Victoria, Queensland, Tasmania, Northern Territory, Western Australia and New South Wales to convey the New Zealand Government’s appreciation for their help.

Around 300 Police officers from throughout Australia began arriving in Christchurch on 25 February.

Canterbury community organisations will be able to use a special emergency fund to move to new premises if their building suffered serious earthquake damage.

The Government is extending the wage subsidy to support employees of small businesses seriously disrupted by the Canterbury earthquake.

Offenders on community work are providing valuable assistance with the Canterbury earthquake clean-up, Corrections Minister Judith Collins says.

Police and Corrections staff have done themselves proud with their work following the Christchurch earthquake, some putting personal problems aside in the line of duty, Police and Corrections Minis