publications


Abolitionist Demands: Toward the End of Prisons in Aotearoa

In Abolitionist Demands, we outline a number of material demands that take the path to prison abolition. The demands have been broken down into short-term, intermediate-term, and long-term, as well as into categories concerning policing, courts, and prisons. We recognise that some demands can be enacted through policy reform, while others will require a revolution in economic and social conditions. Readers are encouraged to take the demands and make them happen.

Torture in New Zealand Prisons: A Briefing

This booklet draws together the findings of reports made by the Office of the Ombudsman in its investigations of four New Zealand prisons. Using these reports, our researchers provide an account, in plain language, of the ongoing abuse and mistreatment of prisoners. Contextualising this information within historical trends, they also tell the stories of prisoners who have contacted us, reminding us how this treatment is a lived reality for far too many people. Together, these accounts demonstrate the disturbing but undeniable existence of widespread torture in New Zealand prisons.

Transformative Justice Workshop: Practical Ways of Solving Interpersonal Harm and Conflict in Our Communities

This booklet, made to accompany our workshops, outlines the guiding principles behind transformative justice and presents a brief but malleable plan for dealing with interpersonal harm in a way that does not involve incarcerating, punishing or isolating people. In a friendly, accessible tone, it includes answers to common questions about when and where transformative justice can be used, as well as links to community resources and toolkits. As it is made to supplement face-to-face discussion, we encourage readers to use the booklet as a starting point, discuss it with loved ones, and think about how you can apply them to your own community.

Solitary Confinement in New Zealand Prisons

Solitary confinement is the harshest form of punishment available in the New Zealand prison system. This report by People Against Prisons Aotearoa researcher Ti Lamusse outlines why its use in New Zealand prisons needs to end.

Letters from Lockdown

Letters from prisoners about their experiences in solitary confinement, compiled and illustrated.

smaller publications

Zines and other publications can be downloaded from the PAPA store for free or a donation of any size.

prisoner newsletter

Take No Prisoners is PAPA‘s official prisoner newsletter.

For any enquiries, please email newsletter@papa.org.nz or address a letter to:

Take No Prisoners coordinator
PAPA
PO BOX 5870
Victoria Street West
Auckland 1142

If you write in, please include your return address.

Issue 1: Solitary Confinement

an illustration of barbed wire and siolitary confinement cells.

Issue 2: COVID-19

a portrait of Assata Shakur, with the quote: "It is our duty to fight for freedom. It is our duty to win. We must love each other and support each other. We have nothing to lose but our chains."

Issue 3: Voting Rights

a Health Not Handcuffs campaign image, reading: "Research and experience around the world shows that criminal penalties have surprisingly little impact on whether people take drugs."

Issue 4: Election 2020 Debrief

photograph of a Holiday Card Drive, with whiteboard reading "Meri Kirihimete" in front of a stage covered in large envelopes.

Issue 5: Know Your Rights

a newsletter illustration captioned "Shitty conditions @ Waikeria Prison", with several cartoon people pushing up against a giant, oppressive hand, sitting inside a toilet with a roll of toilet paper as a banner.

Issue 6: Corrections Doesn’t Want You To Read This

a newsletter illustration with "Corrections doesn't want you to read this" in text on yellow tape, some cartoon people leaning in to look at it.

Parliamentary and political advocacy

We also regularly write letters, provide feedback and make select committee submissions relating to the criminal justice system in Aotearoa. The submissions, letters and reports here provide detailed analysis of issues within the criminal justice system. They make recommendations aimed at achieving more just outcomes and beginning on a path towards ending mass incarceration in Aotearoa.  The nature of our engagement with Government agencies is tactically focused on advancing the kaupapa by improving the material conditions of prisoners and preventing further incarceration, not colluding with a government that opposes these things.

The following have been prepared by People Against Prisons Aotearoa and No Pride in Prisons (our previous name):