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.
The PDF version is available for free here. For a physical copy, contact the Merchandise Coordinator at merchandise@papa.org.nz.
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.
The PDF version is available for free here. For a physical copy, contact the Merchandise Coordinator at merchandise@papa.org.nz.
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.
The PDF version is available for free here. For a physical copy, contact the Merchandise Coordinator at merchandise@papa.org.nz.
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.
The report is available on the Economic and Social Research Aotearoa website (or as a PDF).
We also regularly make submissions to select committees relating to the criminal justice system in Aotearoa. These reports provide detailed analysis of proposed law changes and make recommendations to improve, alter or reject the bills before select committee. The following public submissions have been made by People Against Prisons Aotearoa and No Pride in Prisons (our previous name).
