Given the state of our prisons today, our focus is standing up for the rights of people in prison

We provide information and advice

In collaboration with the Wellington Community Justice Project, we respond to requests from people in prison for information and advice about issues they encounter in prison, big or small.

We also publish a regular newsletter about developments in the criminal justice/prison system and post individual copies to our members in prison.

We campaign on systemic issues affecting prisoners

For example, in the last year, we made public submissions on sentencing reform; the effect of the Treaty Principles Bill on the justice system; Corrections’ proposals to embed the Prisoners of Extreme Risk Unit; and prisoner voting. We also engaged with the UN Sub-Committee on the Prevention of Torture during its visit to Aotearoa New Zealand in September 2025.

We promote access to justice

Prisoners often struggle to access legal advice and representation where their rights may have been breached. To improve access to justice, we convene a network of lawyers working on prison law issues.

We are also exploring the possibility of using strategic litigation to challenge systemic issues in prisons.