People Against Prisons Aotearoa
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papa.org.nz
People Against Prisons Aotearoa
@papa.org.nz
330 followers 14 following 100 posts
A prison abolitionist organisation committed to building a fairer, safer, and more just Aotearoa.
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papa.org.nz
This is a racist and discriminatory move that will not only harm those most in need of the redress payments, but undermines the very purpose of this redress scheme! People Against Prisons Aotearoa demands better for those abused at the hands of the state.
Image 9 description: Dark grey background with a white box in the middle of the post. There is text in the middle of the white box that reads: “Write a submission opposing the continued punishment of those abused in State Care. Submissions close Wednesday 26 November. Submission link in our linktree.”
November 12, 2025 at 7:45 AM
papa.org.nz
The government continues to punish and shame those abused by the state by attempting to introduce legislation that will make people who have committed certain offences ineligible for redress payments. This directly goes against what was recommended in the Royal Commission Report.
Image 5 description: Dark grey background with a white box in the middle of the post. There is text in the middle of the white box that reads: “It is well researched that experiencing violence and abuse often leads to more violence and abuse throughout a person’s life. These are cycles that need to be broken through care and investment in social services, not by continuing to punish the same people.” Image 6 description: Dark grey background with a white box in the middle of the post. There is text in the middle of the white box that reads: “The Redress System for Abuse in State Care Bill is intended to: make serious violent and sexual offenders ineligible for financial redress, set out the process that these people can apply for eligibility for financial redress, establish offences (and penalties) for failing to disclose criminal convictions that would make an applicant ineligible for financial redress, and set out the circumstances in which an apology given by or on behalf of a person to a survivor of abuse in care is not relevant or admissible in court.” Image 7 description: Dark grey background with a white box in the middle of the post. There is text in the middle of the white box that reads: “This is despite the report itself recommending that: “there should continue to be no exclusion for serious offenders or any extra criteria for them to meet. A large number of those in prison have been in care and the tūkino they have suffered may have contributed to their offending. Most are Māori, and they and their whānau are likely to be among those most in need of help through the scheme.” Image 8 description: Dark grey background with a white box in the middle of the post. There is text in the middle of the white box that reads: ““Justice must be inclusive. The abuse suffered by children and vulnerable adults in ‘care’ does not lose its significance because of what those individuals may do later in life. To exclude serious offenders from redress is to deny the reality of trauma, perpetuate systemic injustice, and undermine the very purpose of this redress scheme.” – Sonja Cooper (Lawyer) in opposition of the Bill.”
November 12, 2025 at 7:44 AM
papa.org.nz
*Submissions are open until Wednesday 26 November for the Redress System for Abuse in State Care Bill.* www3.parliament.nz/en/pb/sc/mak... One year ago, the government apologised to survivors of abuse in state care but one year on nothing has changed.
Image 1 description: Dark grey background with a white box in the middle of the post. There is text in the middle of the white box that reads: “PAPA opposes these discriminatory, racist and punitive aspects of the Redress System for Abuse in State Care Bill. We demand better for those the state has failed to protect, not just once but throughout their lives.” Image 2 description: Dark grey background with a white box in the middle of the post. There is text in the middle of the white box that reads: “One year ago, the government formally apologised to survivors of abuse in state care. Today they are trying to legislate that people who have committed specific offences will be ineligible for redress payments.” Image 3 description: Dark grey background with a white box in the middle of the post. There is text in the middle of the white box that reads: “The Royal Commission Report acknowledged that time in State Care is a pipeline to Prison Many survivors even acknowledging it was a natural next step.” Image 4 description: Dark grey background with a white box in the middle of the post. There is text in the middle of the white box that reads: “What kind of empty promise did the government make a year ago, that today they’re pushing through laws that totally disregard the findings of their very own report?”
November 12, 2025 at 7:43 AM
papa.org.nz
The massive cover-up of allegations made against former Deputy Commissioner Jevon McSkimming gets right at key contradictions in policing itself. The police exist in order to maintain social order - but that social order is fundamentally unjust.
November 12, 2025 at 7:00 AM
papa.org.nz
The IPCA report into the McSkimming cover-up is out and it is absolutely damning. To protect people from abuses by cops and hold the organisation to account, the Crown must implement the IPCA report's recommendations and improve the IPCA's statutory powers.
November 12, 2025 at 6:51 AM
papa.org.nz
People Against Prisons Aotearoa invites you to support us in calling on the Department of Corrections to give people in prisons appropriate clothing and hygienic supplies on Sunday 16 November from 1PM outside Auckland Region Womens Corrections Facility. www.facebook.com/events/68706...
Image one description: Picture of the PAPA logo with the following white text above the logo on top of a black and red background: "PAPA Mobilisation Prisoners Clothing Protest 1PM 16 November Auckland Region Womens Correction Facility 20 Hautu Drive, Wiri, Manukau City Help Fight For Better! www.papa.org.nz" Image two description: Picture of an artistic depiction of a clothes line with the following white text on top of a red and black background and next to the PAPA logo: "Our Demands: - A minimum standard of providing clothing for prisoners. - Corrections to follow their own regulations around providing clothing to prisoners - Halt all prison expansions. - All prisoners to be provided appropriate and hygenic supplies. Tāmaki Makaurau | 16 November" Image three description: Picture of an artistic depiction of clothes in front of Māori iconography and with a broken chain and the PAPA logo around both, with the following pink text around the picture and on top of a red and brown background: "Prisoner Clothing Protest Dignity For Victims of Dispossessive Colonial Accumulation Fund Our Future Not Incarceration Invest In The Classroom, Not the Cell Block Minimum Standards Of Care For Prisoners Now! Halt All Megaprison Expansions! November 16th 1pm Outside Auckland Regional Women's Corrections Facility 20 Hautu Drive, Wiri, Manukau City" Image four description: Picture of a poster by Min Iles that contains the following text surrounded by chains and locks: ""Clothing or footwear that is provided by the prison must be adequate for safety, warmth, comfort and health." - Corrections Regulations 20025, Clause 68 (In others words, THE LAW)"
November 7, 2025 at 8:37 AM
papa.org.nz
People Against Prisons Aotearoa demand that Corrections provide the basic supplies it is required to by law to all prisoners. Sign our petition: our.actionstation.org.nz/petitions/ge...
Image nine description The image is white text in the middle of a black background. There are pink and orange streaks from the centre of the image out to the sides. The text reads as follows: “Everyone in prison should be recieving their legal entitlements to clothing.” Image ten description The image is white text in the middle of a red text box with a white border. The image is on a black background. Below the text box is the PAPA logo and below that is more white text. The text reads as follows: “People Against Prisons Aotearoa are no longer able to be responsible for patching up holes left by the Department of Corrections failing to meet their legal obligations. Help us demand better! Sign the petition in our bio!”
November 3, 2025 at 6:22 AM
papa.org.nz
People Against Prisons Aotearoa has been supporting prisoners individually with these needs, but as the situation worsens, it has become apparent that work needs to be done to ensure that all prisoners receive appropriate clothing as a necessary part of Corrections custody.
Image five description The image is a text-based post on a black background. There is a white text box with an orange border at the top followed by three bullet points. The text reads as follows: “The property requests PAPA have been getting are because: necessary items are not being provided at all, the number of items provided aren’t sufficient for hygienic purposes, the quality of these items don’t meet people’s basic needs.” Image six description The image contains a text-based post against a brown background with a pink explosion design. The text is in white inside the explosion. The text reads as follows: “If Corrections isn’t providing people with basic clothing items, what else aren’t they providing for those inside?” Image seven description The image contains a text-based post against a black background with an orange prison cell. Inside the cell is a white text post with pink border. There is black text inside this. The text reads as follows: “Should Corrections really be continuing with prison expansions when they can’t even care and provide for the population they already imprison?” Image eight description The image contains a text-based post against a brown background with an orange question marks. There are three text boxes two are white with pink borders and the third is pink with a white border. The text reads as follows: “What if you had to ask someone for clean underwear because you only have one paid and it’s been ruined? What if you woke up cold at night but didn’t have a warm blanket to grab? What if your shoes have holes in them but the person who cares for you refuses to get you new ones?”
November 3, 2025 at 6:21 AM
papa.org.nz
The Department of Corrections is failing to provide people basic necessities like hygenic bedding, underwear, socks, shoes and thermals. This is a breach of human rights and a failure to care for those in state care. Sign our petition: our.actionstation.org.nz/petitions/ge...
Image one description The image has a clothes rack with different coloured shirts and pants on it. Below is black text in a white box with a pink border. The text reads as follows: “People in prison are unable to access basic clothing items.” Image two description The image contains a text-based post against a brown background. At the top is a white text box with a pink border, the text is orange. Under this there are four bullet points with images of underwear, socks, a t-shirt and shoes. Underneath is some orange text. The text reads as follows: “In the 2024/2025 year, PAPA has provided people in prison with: 240 pairs of underwear, 255 pairs of socks, 102 thermals, 111 pairs of shoes. Corrections is legally responsible for providing reasonable clothing requests! Are underwear, shoes, socks and warm clothes not reasonable?” Image three description The image has a white title on a black background and below it black text in a white text box with a pink border. On the bottom left side there is a stack on money. The text reads as follows: “Where is the money going??? In 2022 it cost roughly $151,000 per year to imprison someone. This is more than double the average yearly NZ salary ($65,749). Where is the money going if not providing basic?” Image four description The image contains a text-based post against a brown background. One text box is white with orange around it and the other is pink with white around it. The text reads as follows: “People in prison are made to make requests for their basic property needs. When they get told no, they have to request items externally or go without. Why is the burden of being warm, safe, and comfortable put on those already suffering?”
November 3, 2025 at 6:20 AM
papa.org.nz
Please donate if you can to help @peaceactnotautahi.bsky.social pay legal fees, transport and the other costs to support over 35 of their members and supporters who have been arrested for engaging in peaceful direct action against the National Aerospace Summit. chuffed.org/project/aero...
Image description: Picture of the following text: "No Blood On Our Hands Peace Action Ōtautahi Wage Peace Disrupt War The National Aerospace Summit in Ōtautahi was designed to align this government's interests with the US and Israeli greedy military goals, not space. Over 35 peaceful protestors were arrested for blockading the event, some were held in custody overnight. Donate to support our brave comrades. tinyurl.com/peaceactionotautahi @peace.action.otautahi peaceactionotautahi.org"
October 12, 2025 at 9:27 PM
papa.org.nz
From Rachel Mary Andrews (www.instagram.com/p/DPUu7__k0-k/):

""Do the crime. Do the time, " they say. Those naysayers, and climate deniers, and tough-on-crime right-wingers. And the ones who applaud the erosion of democracy until it impacts them."
Image description: Picture of climate activist Rachel Mary Andrews being harassed by Police.
October 4, 2025 at 5:48 AM
papa.org.nz
While our government remains complicit in genocide, three New Zealanders, Rana, Samuel, and Youssef are risking everything for justice on the Global Sumud Flotilla. They are our whānau, and our government must make every effort to protect them.
October 1, 2025 at 8:47 AM
papa.org.nz
Our members from Tāmaki branch and across Aotearoa were proud to participate in Aotearoa For Palestine's March for Humanity today. The Government must sanction Israel now, because a world without prisons can only exist when the genocide in Gaza ends and Palestine is free.
Image one and two descriptions: Pictures of PAPA members at today's March for Humanity holding a PAPA banner with the following red and white text on it: "None Of Us Are Free Until All Of Us Are Free papa.org.nz" Image one and two descriptions: Pictures of PAPA members at today's March for Humanity holding a PAPA banner with the following red and white text on it: "None Of Us Are Free Until All Of Us Are Free papa.org.nz"
September 13, 2025 at 6:27 AM
papa.org.nz
Tāmaki whānau, please attend this fundraiser on Friday 26 September from 6:30PM at Trinity Methodist Church Hall to help Te Kāhui Creative Writing continue its by-rangatahi-for-rangatahi creative writing programme within and outside of prisons. www.eventbrite.com/e/keep-te-ka...
Image description: Picture of someone writing with the following text on top: "Keep Te Kaahui Flying Fundraiser A fundraiser show for Te Kāhui Creative programmes in prisons and communities across the motu. Poetry performances, raffle & so much more 26 Sept 6.30-8pm Trinity Methodist Church Hall 400 New North Road Tickets from $15 Te Kāhui Creative Writing"
September 5, 2025 at 11:09 PM
papa.org.nz
Continued:
Image five description: Picture of the following text: “Our government are also siding with authoritarianism against international protest movements for peace and justice. The presence of the FBI is a threat to local and international activists, at a time when the New Zealand government is also eroding the right to protest. NO TO IMPERIALISM NO TO AUTHORITARIANISM DEFEND THE RIGHT TO PROTEST FREE PALESTINE” Image six description: Picture of the following text: “Kaupapa: We march under Te Kahu o te Raukura, the cloak of peace laid by Taranaki Whanui over the whenua. This protest is jointly organised by Pōneke Anti-Fascist Coalition, International Socialist Organisation Aotearoa, People Against Prisons Aotearoa, Peace Action Wellington and Te Tai Tētēkura. Gather with us at Midland Park at 1pm for speeches, before marching over to the USA Embassy. If you may have trouble walking this distance, we will have transport options available please contact us in advance if you need this. Bring your protest signs and your best chanting voice!”
September 5, 2025 at 1:36 AM
papa.org.nz
Join us and our comrades @ponekeantifa.bsky.social, International Socialist Organisation Aotearoa, @peacewellington.bsky.social and Te Tai Tētēkura on Saturday 6 September at Midland Park from 1PM as we march in opposition to the new FBI base and US troops here. www.facebook.com/events/65778...
Image one description: Picture of the following text: “NO FBI COPS. NO USA TROOPS. Stand against militarism and authoritarianism. Join the march against the increased presence of the USA military and law enforcement in Aotearoa. Date and time: 1pm, Saturday the 6th of September. Location: MIDLAND PARK. MARCHING TO USA EMBASSY.” Image two description: Picture of the following text: “The FBI in Aotearoa? The Trump-appointed Director of the USA Federal Bureau of Investigation recently visited Aotearoa, welcomed by New Zealand’s far-right government, with plans to establish an FBI office here.” Image three description: Picture of the following text: “USA TROOPS ON KIWI SOIL At the same time, the New Zealand Army is talking with its United States counterparts about having American troops train regularly in Aotearoa. This disturbing news means strengthening of authoritarianism of both governments, and a threat to safety and community for all of us.” Image four description: Picture of the following text: “Why protest? The director of the FBI has stated that opening an office in Aotearoa will “counter China’s influence in the Pacific”. Law enforcement agencies in the USA are repressing the American people, cracking down on protest and resistance at the command of Trump’s authoritarian government. By welcoming the USA military and the FBI into Aotearoa, the New Zealand government is siding with the USA in an imperialist rivalry that threatens the sovereignty and safety of peoples in the Pacific and beyond.”
September 5, 2025 at 1:33 AM
papa.org.nz
Please donate if you can to help Te Kāhui Creative Writing continue its by-rangatahi-for-rangatahi creative writing programme within and outside of prisons. www.thearts.co.nz/boosted/proj...
Image one description: Picture of the following text: "Te Kāhui Creative Writing Boosted by the Art Foundation Te Tumu Toi Keep Te Kāhui Flying August 29th - September 29th $5,000" Image two description: Picture of the following text: "Te Kāhui Creative Writing is a by-rangatahi-for-rangatahi kaupapa that equips the next generation of Aotearoa’s storytellers with the skills, space and support to realise their creative voice. Currently, it is the only Arts in Corrections program offered across the country that aims explicitly to work with rangatahi in adult Corrections facilities." Image three description: Picture of the following text: "Te Kāhui has held creative workshops for over 750 rangatahi and tangata whaiora across the motu. Our momentum is strong. Yet just as our flame is shining the brightest, difficult financial realities loom on our doorstep. With your support, we hope to weather this storm and continue serving the communities we work with. Supported Our Boosted Campaign!"
September 2, 2025 at 10:08 AM
papa.org.nz
PAPA members, our Annual General Meeting will be happening on Saturday 30th August from 1PM-4PM online via Zoom. Please check the 21st August all-members email in your inbox or spam to register to attend the AGM and to nominate yourself for a National Organising Committee role.
Image description: Picture of the following text on top of an orange background: "People Against Prisons Aotearoa Annual General Meeting Saturday 30th August 1:00PM (via Zoom) Registration link and nominations form in the all-members email sent 21st August *check spam if you haven't received this email more information available in the all-members email, or reach out to us"
August 22, 2025 at 10:47 PM
papa.org.nz
Pōneke whānau, join us on this rally and march on Saturday 6th September from 1PM (location to be confirmed) to demand that the Government close the FBI office in Aotearoa and end all security and military ties with the American capitalist imperialist regime! www.facebook.com/events/65778...
Image description: Picture of six raised fists rising out of the ground with the following text above: "No FBI cops or USA troops Stand against imperialism and fascism"
August 17, 2025 at 6:36 AM
papa.org.nz
Our members were proud to take part in the Pōneke Hīkoi for Palestine by the Falastin Tea Collective today that called on the Government to recognise the State of Palestine as well as boycott, divest and sanction the genocidal Zionist state. None of us are free until Palestine is free!
Image one description: Picture of a protestor holding the sign "Queers For Palestine!" Image two description: Picture of a protestor holding the sign "Prison Abolitionist For Palestine!"
August 16, 2025 at 10:24 AM
papa.org.nz
As our press spokesperson @cannibality.bsky.social explained on this Marae panel, the FBI Wellington office must close, because it will further subordinate us to American capitalist imperialism through it advising New Zealand Police to more effectively repress Māori, Pasifika, workers and the left.
August 5, 2025 at 10:28 AM
papa.org.nz
Our press spokesperson @cannibality.bsky.social will be speaking at this rally against the FBI's new office in Wellington tomorrow at 1PM at the US Consulate on how the office is part of the American capitalist imperialist regime's efforts to export their policing model to ensure Pacific domination.
Image description: Picture of eyes looking at a person with the following text around it: "No FBI in Aotearoa Protest US Consulate Tāmaki Makaurau 1PM Sat Aug 2nd"
August 1, 2025 at 6:59 AM
papa.org.nz
HOMELESS KAUMĀTUA BEATEN BY PRISON GUARDS — Dean Wickliffe was beaten so badly he required hospital treatment. Spring Hill prison manager Alan Lamb is blocking Dean's access to his lawyer, despite his week-plus hunger strike. Email alan.lamb@corrections.govt.nz with your concerns.
Four photographs of a white-haired older man with severe face bruising and a gash above one eye. Dean Wickliffe is a kaumatua who lost his accommodation and was sent back to Spring Hill prison. Dean did not feel safe being double-bunked, but Spring Hill prison guards brutally beat Dean. The injuries on Dean's face are from a group of prison guards slamming his face into the concrete floor. Dean was injured so badly he needed to be transferred to hospital for treatment. Corrections refuses to let Dean speak with his lawyer over audio-visual link, a violation of Dean's right to legal counsel. Dean has been on hunger strike for over a week now demanding to speak to his lawyer. Spring Hill prison manager Alan Lamb is the one preventing this. Email him at alan.lamb@corrections.govt.nz. and tell him your concerns.
March 17, 2025 at 11:12 PM
papa.org.nz
Join us at Ellen Melville on Sun 16 March, 3:30pm. We’ll discuss the queer case for prison abolition, our experiences with the criminal justice system, and the actions we can take to build a world where homo/transphobia, prisons and police are abolished. papa.org.nz/2025/03/10/t...
Two muscular women holding hands use bolt cutters to clip chains around the PAPA logo. Text reads: People Against Prisons Aotearoa town hall discussion: the Queer Case for Prison Abolition. 3:30pm March 16 Ellen Melville Centre
March 11, 2025 at 11:10 PM
papa.org.nz
Defying Destiny posters are now available for purchase online, as is a new clasp variant for our pine keychains! shop.papa.org.nz/product-cate...
The Defying Destiny poster, printed with full bleed and vivid colours in A3, on a wall. A wooden charm with a black and white drawing of a curly-haired woman. Text on her hair reads: "Until all are free". The clasp is holographic, with a length of chain, a lobster clasp, and a key ring.
March 2, 2025 at 6:01 AM