Nor'West News: January 21, 2020

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8 Tuesday January 21 2020 Latest Canterbury news at starnews.co.nz NOR’WEST NEWS ews Unwanted tattoos removed at St Albans clinic • By Sophie Cornish GRANT OWERS goes to Christchurch Men’s Prison every six weeks to meet with prisoners about their tattoos. Not to add to their ink, but to remove it – in the hope of giving them a better chance at life when they are released. Mr Owers owns Tattoo Removal Company, which does what it says, removes tattoos from anyone who doesn’t want them at a clinic in St Albans. He is seeing an increasing number of gang members wanting to remove their tattoos – along with a “weird side effect” of removing tattoos on prisoners. “The strange thing is because they are in prison and on a reasonably good diet, getting plenty of rest and not out in the sun too much, the tattoos come off quite easily. It’s ideal, quite a weird side effect really. “We have got such a punitive society; it’s good to give back occasionally. Some of these poor people haven’t had a chance and I do what I can. Simple as that,” he said. Mr Owers is part of a recent initiative to offer the service at a discounted rate at prisons, after HELPING OUT: Grant Owers offers a tattoo removal service from a St Albans clinic. PHOTO: GEOFF SLOAN public outcry that the services were being funded by the taxpayer. In 2006, the Department of Corrections dumped the scheme, after it was revealed taxpayers forked out $4500 for a violent white supremacist to have his “Mongrel Mob Forever” tattoo lasered off. After Corrections Minister Kelvin Davis made calls in 2018 to revive the programme, a new initiative was considered which sees local tattoo removal businesses volunteering their services for free, out of goodwill, in order to help improve the lives of prisoners. This creates a discounted rate which prisoners are then required to fund themselves. The programme has been offered at Christchurch Men’s Prison since May and at Rolleston Prison since December. Said a Corrections spokeswoman: “One area that can create a significant barrier to someone seeking employment and successfully reintegrating into the community when they leave prison can be their tattoos – particularly if they are gangrelated, or otherwise offensive,” she said. “Providers are different for each site and prisons do not dictate or set prices. The prices charged are, in general, less than half of that charged in the community.” “There is currently no demand for a regular tattoo removal service at Christchurch Women’s Prison, but if a prisoner requested the service it would be considered on a case by case basis,” the spokeswoman said. January specials MUSGROVES 15% OFF ALL RECYCLED 5-RIB IRON 15% OFF ALL RECYCLED ARCHITRAVES AND SKIRTING BOARDS 5% OFF NEW 1 0 X 20MM PINE DECKING These are just THREE examples of our specials. see more on our website. 3 Musgrove Close (off Wigram Road), Christchurch www.musgroves.co.nz • 03 322 7922 or Freephone 0508 468 747
NOR’WEST NEWS Latest Canterbury news at starnews.co.nz Tuesday January 21 2020 9 The more you know the more you can do. Wills and Trusts Seminar You’re invited to a seminar to find out about how you can protect your assets and ensure your wishes are known after you’ve gone. Presented by a local solicitor in your area, this seminar is a chance for you and your family to learn more about family trusts, wills and enduring powers of attorney in a friendly, relaxed environment. The seminar is free to attend and is followed by delicious refreshments. Maria Young from Cavell Leitch Tuesday 28 January, 2pm or 6pm Diana Isaac Retirement Village, 1 Lady Isaac Way, Mairehau RSVP to Adrienne or Lynne on 385 3518 Philipa Shaw from Harmans Lawyers Thursday 30 January, 2pm or 6pm Ngaio Marsh Retirement Village, 95 Grants Road, Papanui RSVP to Marie on 354 6608 rymanhealthcare.co.nz 2175
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Nor'West News: January 21, 2020

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