Standard fare for jail dinner

While Northlanders may be chomping into seafood mornay, succulent ham and fresh crayfish as part of their Christmas Day feasts, prisoners in Ngawha prison will be eating a less scrumptious meal.

Corrections Services general manager Brendan Anstiss said the meal would be prepared as usual by prisoners in prison facilities and would be overseen by catering instructors. "The meal will meet basic nutritional requirements but will not be lavish and prisoners who wish to attend church services on the day will be able to attend multi-denominational church services inside the wire," Mr Anstiss said.

Lunch will consist of a meat - either beef or chicken - with gravy and a selection of vegetables.

Prisoners will also able to purchase canteen items such as chocolates, Christmas mince pies, a small fruit pudding and an iced 1kg Christmas cake through the prison canteen system.

Some prisoners may have the opportunity to engage in recreational activities such as sport and music. Those behind bars will not have any visitors on statutory holidays.