3 July 2009 - Robin Gunston has recently commenced work as the new National Director of Prison Fellowship New Zealand, based at its National Office in Upper Hutt.

Robin has a strong Christian background in mainstream churches, helping plant and grow Churches, with leadership as National President for Boys' Brigade, in Luis Palau missions, KidsGames NZ etc. He is a worship leader at St Mary's Anglican Church in Whitby Porirua, Chair of the Whitby Residents Association and of the newly formed SafeHere Trust.

Robin is a chemical engineer who has had extensive involvement in the international oil industry, working for 17 years at Marsden Point oil refinery near Whangarei from the time of its expansion in 1982. More recently he has been operating his own consultancy in the fields of long term futuring, risk management and business development working with Government Departments, not for profits, health boards etc.

He is a member of the Board of UnitedFuture and is the party's strategist and policy co-ordinator, he stood for the Mana electorate in the last two Parliamentary elections.

Prison Fellowship's Vision is that every prisoner has the opportunity to embrace the Christian Faith, to be mentored holistically and join a supportive community upon release. It is a recognised partner with Corrections to achieve its long term goals and jointly operates He Korowhai Whakapono the faith based unit at Rimutaka Prison with the Department.

Robin has a passion for societal change and believes that in New Zealand we need to do more about prisoners' re-integration to society, " Currently only 7% of Corrections $1 billion operating budget goes to rehabilitation and reintegration" he says, "if we do not accept and settle these people, with all their special needs, back into NZ society in a planned determinative way, they are very likely to re-offend and find their way back into prison."

Prison Fellowship's major goal for the next few years is to encourage and train the Body of Christ to become Target Communities, that prisoners can be mentored by and released to, providing the necessary circles of support that such people need to help them adjust to more normal life. "There are over 8000 people being released from prison every year, many of whom have made a Christian commitment during their time inside, we need to make sure that the church in their local area is equipped to help them for at least a couple of years" said Mr Gunston.