Recent Ombudsman’s reports have revealed that prisoners are exposed to constant threats of violence and subjected to practices that amount to torture. There is no reason to keep locking more people away from their loved ones in inhumane conditions. It doesn’t help them become better people, and it doesn’t keep their communities safe.
The government has continued to ignore the growing evidence that prisons don’t do what they’re supposed to. Over the next few years, $1 billion worth of prison construction and expansion has been planned, including a new facility at Waikeria Prison that will house 1,500 more prisoners.
This year, the New Zealand government budgeted $1 billion dollars for the Department of Corrections. What could one billion dollars be doing for impoverished communities across Aotearoa? For the 23,000 children with a parent in prison? For education? For housing? For the 1,500 people who are going to be put in Waikeria?
It is clear that at this point the government cannot justify its commitment to the existing prison system. This is nothing more than incarceration for incarceration’s sake, and it is unacceptable.
2017 is an election year, and no matter what happens, it will be a year of political shake-ups and new leadership. Urgent action is required now to act and make clear that the enormous human and financial waste that is our prison system is unconscionable and cannot continue. We invite you to come march with us and help us make it known that we will not accept the government's reckless disregard for people’s lives.