Sharples Pita: Motions — Department of Corrections—Death of Corrections Officer Jason Palmer 
Sharples Pita: Motions — Department of Corrections—Death of Corrections Officer Jason Palmer 
[Volume:663;Page:10871] 
Hon Dr PITA SHARPLES (Co-Leader—Maori Party) 
: 
 Tena koe Mr Speaker. I rise on behalf of the Maori Party to mark the passing of corrections officer Jason Palmer who was tragically killed last weekend while on duty at Spring Hill prison. As I do so my thoughts are also with the students from King’s College who are today dealing with the death of a third student since February. We think of those young students who are reeling from the shock of losing a friend well before his time. I also acknowledge Te Ururoa Flavell’s family who has lost a niece and my own family who have a mate at home. 
Firstly I want to acknowledge Jason’s work colleagues who are still required to go about their duties. Prisons never stop despite having to come to terms with what has happened and to deal with the great loss they must feel. The importance of their role in helping to keep our communities safe is often overlooked until something like this some tragedy happens. We pause for a moment to reflect on the appreciation that we owe to all those who choose to work on behalf of the Government who are sometimes placing themselves in sight of danger. This House has paid its respects on many occasions to those in the armed forces and the police force and today sadly we pay our respects to the Department of Corrections which joins that tragic roll of honour. 
Jason had his life ahead of him. By all accounts he could have gone far in corrections. He was known as an officer who was keen to learn. He was a professional and carried himself as such. Jason was held in high regard by his fellow officers for his personal integrity. He wanted to be the best that he could be. Sadly this attack put paid to Jason’s ambitions and robbed corrections of a valued officer. This is a tragic waste of life. 
Some real issues emerge out of this tragic incident related to the protection of corrections staff and to the concerns that always appear at a time like this regarding the appropriate location and supervision of inmates. I am sure those issues will be addressed for the protection of all those who inhabit our prisons and also importantly for Jason’s family. Today they grieve for the loss of a cherished son brother father and husband but today is not the time to debate the whys and what fors; it is a time for tears regret and tributes to be heard. 
Anyone who listened to National Radio this morning would have heard the aching despair of a mother mourning her son. In an interview Ada Palmer referred to her daughter-in-law as a princess who represented the courage and generosity of the New Zealand spirit in allowing this son of American soil to be returned home. Our thoughts are of these two women bound inextricably in grief of their children and of all families today who are suffering the loss of dearly loved sons. We extend our love and our sincere sympathy at such a difficult time. 
Na reira koutou nga mate haere haere ki te okioki i roto i te Kaihanga hei aha? Hei whariki ma matou; na reira koutou ki a koutou haere haere haere. Kia ora. 
[ 
So I say unto you the dead depart go forth and rest there in the realm of the Creator and for what purpose? To become a mat for us. So remain there among your own oh dead. Depart farewell journey on. You are acknowledged collectively 
.]