Congratulations to Carolina Clarke-Pailate, part-time corrections officer at Hawke’s Bay Regional Prison (HBRP), who is the distinguished recipient of the 2023 Ria McBride Public Service Award.
The Ria McBride Public Service Award* is designed to empower women working in the New Zealand Public Service, providing them with the necessary support to pursue their career aspirations through tertiary study. The successful recipient receives funding of up to $15,000 for study purposes to use over a five-year period.
Carolina expressed her gratitude and humility upon receiving the award. “It has been very overwhelming and humbling to receive the 2023 Ria McBride Award. To go to work and be greeted with congratulatory hugs and kisses from my peers at HBRP, I really felt the pride and support from them and our senior leaders such as Prison Director George Massingham, because they get to see one of their own accomplishing something great. I am filled with happiness and gratitude.”
“I want to be an example to my whānau by leading the way in a career in health. In my immediate and extended whānau, we have no health professionals, but we certainly have many hardworking ladies among us. This award will help me to achieve my goals and complete my studies in nursing and pave a new pathway, not only for my own career but for my whānau too,” says Carolina.
Having dedicated 18 years of her life as a corrections officer at HBRP, Carolina says changing careers late in life has been a monumental decision.
In July 2021, Carolina commenced full-time tertiary study with Te Pūkenga at EIT Napier. With the support of her senior leaders at Ara Poutama Aotearoa, Carolina was able to remain employed part-time as a corrections officer at HBRP.
Acting Deputy Prison Director Shannin Mortensen says, “Carolina consistently demonstrates enthusiasm and strength to help others. She is well respected and highly valued by her colleagues and senior leaders alike. Her contribution and commitment to her work with Ara Poutama Aotearoa has made a significant impact on the lives of those she has served. Carolina’s determination to continue this impactful work through nursing is commendable and we fully support her in this next chapter of her career.”
Carolina aims to become a prison nurse upon graduation. “I look forward to working with health and custodial staff to address and combat health inequities within the prison environment. Māori are highly represented in prison, and many have health issues that are either poorly taken care of, or not taken care of at all. It is rewarding for prison nursing staff to be able to reach these patients (albeit due to incarceration), offer education about their conditions, and encourage them to take advantage of the medical treatment available in prison.”
“I know that I can have an impact through leadership positions within the prison’s healthcare department because I have a similar background to many of the people that are in prison, whether it be cultural, social, socio-economic, or otherwise. My strength is my connection to people. This mahi is not only beneficial for prisoners, but for their whānau and communities. Perseverance, engagement, and education are all important tools when striving for positive health outcomes for all,” Carolina explained.
‘Ko te manu e kai ana i te miro nōnā te ngahere, ko te manu e kai ana i te mātauranga nōnā te ao.’‘The forest belongs to the bird who feasts on the miro berry, the world belongs to the bird who feasts on education.’
*To find out more about the Ria McBride Public Service Award visit the Leadership Development Centre website.