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People Against Prisons Aotearoa

@papa.org.nz
406 followers 27 following 201 posts

A prison abolitionist organisation committed to building a fairer, safer, and more just Aotearoa.

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Reposted by People Against Prisons Aotearoa
Prisoner Correspondence Network Aotearoa @pcn.nz · 01/10/2026
This role would require you to be based in Auckland, with frequent trips to the CBD. If you are interested, please sign up here: forms.gle/zJRavFEvNMSR...
forms.gle
PCN Training Sign up
Training is on 18 October 2026 in Grey Lynn
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Reposted by People Against Prisons Aotearoa
Prisoner Correspondence Network Aotearoa @pcn.nz · 01/10/2026
Kia ora koutou! We need some new lovely volunteers to scan and send mail to people in prison to ensure that they can remain connected to the outside world. If you are interested, please sign up here: forms.gle/zJRavFEvNMSR...
Image description: Picture of two hands breaking a chain with the following text around the picture:

“Prisoner Correspondence Network Training
October 18, 11AM 
Grey Lynn
Link In Bio To Sign Up
Support Our Whānau In Prison”
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People Against Prisons Aotearoa @papa.org.nz · 13/09/2026
A major reason why the Police must not be granted further surveillance powers is they use them to terrorise communities, as in this patriarchal case. This will only stop when the Police are disarmed, defunded and disbanded. www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/crime/auc...
nzherald.co.nz
Police officer secretly recorded woman during sex, saved intimate images of two others
The policeman hid the illicit content in an app made to look like a calculator.
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People Against Prisons Aotearoa @papa.org.nz · 12/09/2026
The Police's new number plate scanning technology will result in privacy breaches, further erode our civil liberties and lead to more racist, classist, sexist and ageist harassment by Police. To stop this, Police must be banned from using this technology. www.1news.co.nz/2026/09/11/g...
1news.co.nz
'Gamechanger': Police trialling phone tech to scan number plates
The six-week pilot will let officers instantly check vehicles for stolen status or persons of interest.
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People Against Prisons Aotearoa @papa.org.nz · 08/09/2026
The Police in Aotearoa must be disarmed. Kaoss Price's whānau and loved ones are still fighting for justice, four years on from when he was killed by Police. New Zealand Police kill 11 times more people than police in the UK, and 4 times more than in Australia. www.teaonews.co.nz/2026/09/07/r...
teaonews.co.nz
Review sought after police choose not to prosecute cops who killed unarmed man
The police officer accused of fatally shooting Kaoss Price wasn’t interviewed until almost two weeks after the 22-year-old’s death.
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People Against Prisons Aotearoa @papa.org.nz · 02/09/2026
The homeless deserve help, not handcuffs. Please sign this petition calling on the Government to replace the move-on orders legislation with duty to assist legislation. our.actionstation.org.nz/petitions/de...
our.actionstation.org.nz
Demand the Government support people experiencing homelessness!
Everyone should have access to decent, secure and permanently affordable housing. But right now, many people in our communities are experiencing homelessness – living on couches, in cars, in overcrowd...
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People Against Prisons Aotearoa @papa.org.nz · 02/09/2026
These recommendations will not end the move-on orders' ageism because the cops will continue harassing rangatahi as many of them won't have the means to prove they're 14-17. Ending such ageism will require scrapping the move-on orders. www.rnz.co.nz/news/politic...
rnz.co.nz
Move-on orders: MPs recommend 14 to 17 year olds be excluded
The government's proposed move-on orders look set to be watered down, with MPs recommending that 14 to 17 year olds be excluded, RNZ can reveal.
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People Against Prisons Aotearoa @papa.org.nz · 02/09/2026
For those who consider themselves likely to continue attending branch meetings this year and would like support in educating themselves about prisons, we will have physical copies of Wāhine Inside to borrow, which we will have discussion sessions on in the following meetings.
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People Against Prisons Aotearoa @papa.org.nz · 02/09/2026
If you are elected the current secretary will remain present in the branch to provide support and guidance with the role.
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People Against Prisons Aotearoa @papa.org.nz · 02/09/2026
We are also open to expressions of interest in branch leadership. We encourage people who are interested in taking on a commitment to volunteer organising to consider running for branch secretary, especially if you have strong communication or organisational skills.
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People Against Prisons Aotearoa @papa.org.nz · 02/09/2026
We will be discussing what specific goals we would like to achieve within the next year.
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People Against Prisons Aotearoa @papa.org.nz · 02/09/2026
We will be bringing attendees up to date on the current status of the organisation and of prison abolition in Aotearoa. We will be discussing how we would like to organise ourselves to advance towards abolition.
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People Against Prisons Aotearoa @papa.org.nz · 02/09/2026
Kai will be provided, if attending please be in touch if you have particular dietary needs or allergies. The space has a ramp for wheelchair access although a car we cannot move may restrict access to the door.
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People Against Prisons Aotearoa @papa.org.nz · 02/09/2026
People Against Prisons Aotearoa's Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland branch will be holding a new & returning members meeting on Monday the 14th of September, at RainbowYOUTH, from 6PM, ending around 8PM.
Image one description: Picture of the following text on top of PAPA's logo:

"Tāmaki Makaurau Branch New & Returning Members Meeting
Monday 14 September 6PM
Rainbow Youth via Abbey Street"Image two description: 

"Agenda
- Ways to get involved in PAPA
- Discussing the future of PAPA's activities in Auckland region
- How do we like to organise ourselves?
- Branch secretary election
- Take-home copies of Wāhine Inside for reading group discussion"
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Reposted by People Against Prisons Aotearoa
People Against Prisons Aotearoa @papa.org.nz · 24/08/2026
Reminder: PAPA members, our Annual General Meeting will be happening on Saturday 29th 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 a red background:

"People Against Prisons Aotearoa
Annual General Meeting 2026
Saturday 29th August
1:00PM - 4:00PM
Where: Zoom
For Registration Link and Nomination Form see All Members Email sent 1st August*
*Check your spam if you haven't received this"
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People Against Prisons Aotearoa @papa.org.nz · 28/08/2026
The homeless deserve help, not handcuffs. Please sign this petition calling on the Government to replace the move-on orders legislation with duty to assist legislation. our.actionstation.org.nz/petitions/de...
our.actionstation.org.nz
Demand the Government support people experiencing homelessness!
Everyone should have access to decent, secure and permanently affordable housing. But right now, many people in our communities are experiencing homelessness – living on couches, in cars, in overcrowd...
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People Against Prisons Aotearoa @papa.org.nz · 28/08/2026
Even the non-statement given shows a disgusting abdication of responsibility for the government policies that leave people dying on the street.
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People Against Prisons Aotearoa @papa.org.nz · 28/08/2026
(In)Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith's vision for Aotearoa is one in which he could have weaponised the Police to make sure this unfortunate person died a couple of streets away from his office. www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/3610...
stuff.co.nz
Man found dead outside building shared by minister
Police say the death is not believed to be suspicious after a man was found unresponsive outside an Epsom building on Friday morning.
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People Against Prisons Aotearoa @papa.org.nz · 24/08/2026
Reminder: PAPA members, our Annual General Meeting will be happening on Saturday 29th 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 a red background:

"People Against Prisons Aotearoa
Annual General Meeting 2026
Saturday 29th August
1:00PM - 4:00PM
Where: Zoom
For Registration Link and Nomination Form see All Members Email sent 1st August*
*Check your spam if you haven't received this"
022
People Against Prisons Aotearoa @papa.org.nz · 21/08/2026
The homeless deserve help, not handcuffs. Please sign this petition calling on the Government to replace the move-on orders legislation with duty to assist legislation. our.actionstation.org.nz/petitions/de...
our.actionstation.org.nz
Demand the Government support people experiencing homelessness!
Everyone should have access to decent, secure and permanently affordable housing. But right now, many people in our communities are experiencing homelessness – living on couches, in cars, in overcrowd...
011
People Against Prisons Aotearoa @papa.org.nz · 21/08/2026
The carceral anti-homeless move-on orders bill must not pass, because if it does, then as there are not enough spaces in shelters for the homeless, more of them will die, as several already have this winter. www.rnz.co.nz/news/politic...
rnz.co.nz
No guarantee shelter can be provided for every rough sleeper - officials
Weeks before the government is set to give police powers to move on rough sleepers, officials have admitted to RNZ they can't guarantee immediate shelter for anyone on any given night.
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People Against Prisons Aotearoa @papa.org.nz · 20/08/2026
The seclusion of disabled people in hospitals is solitary confinement by another name, which is a form of torture. This torture will only end when seclusion and all other forms of solitary confinement are banned. www.rnz.co.nz/news/health/...
rnz.co.nz
Ombudsman shines light on 'coercive and unlawful treatment' at Wakari Hospital
A Wakari Hospital patient with intellectual disabilities was almost constantly locked in their bedroom for at least 18 months in conditions the Chief Ombudsman says amounted to prolonged solitary conf...
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People Against Prisons Aotearoa @papa.org.nz · 16/08/2026
PAPA members, our Annual General Meeting will be happening on Saturday 29th 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 a red background:

"People Against Prisons Aotearoa
Annual General Meeting 2026
Saturday 29th August
1:00PM - 4:00PM
Where: Zoom
For Registration Link and Nomination Form see All Members Email sent 1st August*
*Check your spam if you haven't received this"
042
People Against Prisons Aotearoa @papa.org.nz · 26/07/2026
Doubling Paremoremo's prison size through being fast-tracked will lead to further human rights violations of incarcerated people and will intensify the pollution of the local environment. The alternative is decarceration and justice reinvestment. newsroom.co.nz/2026/07/23/t...
newsroom.co.nz
Tensions over fast-track bid to double size of Paremoremo max security prison
Locals report overflowing wastewater and understaffing as Corrections pushes to house 1220 inmates at the facility. Jonathan Milne reports.
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People Against Prisons Aotearoa @papa.org.nz · 25/07/2026
This is the latest in a long list of cases of the Police protecting men who have sexually assaulted women, as the cops exist to reproduce patriarchal and colonial capitalism through violence. This will only end when we disarm, defund and disband the Police. www.rnz.co.nz/news/crime-a...
rnz.co.nz
Police reopen sexual assault case after review finds sportsman's career prioritised over complainant
A police sexual assault investigation into a young man with a "promising" sporting career was so flawed that the case has been re-opened, with the officer in charge of the case also under investigatio...
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People Against Prisons Aotearoa @papa.org.nz · 23/07/2026
Would you be interested in talking with Wiktor? If so, please feel free to get in touch. Email: nowakowikt@myvuw.ac.nz Phone: 028 8516 4735
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People Against Prisons Aotearoa @papa.org.nz · 23/07/2026
The interview will be completely anonymous, and you can talk online, over the phone, or face-to-face in Wellington with Wiktor.
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People Against Prisons Aotearoa @papa.org.nz · 23/07/2026
Wiktor, a student at Victoria University of Wellington, is conducting interviews with people who have experienced prison and would love to hear about your story, your life, and any challenges you may have faced after leaving prison.
Image description: Picture of the following text:

"Have you ever been in prison? 
I'd like to hear your story!

My name is Wiktor and I'm an exchange student at Victoria University of Wellington conducting a research project for my master's thesis.

I'm looking for people who have been in prison in the past and would like to anonymously talk with me about their life experiences after being released.

Hearing your story and what you have struggled with can help improve understanding of life after release and inform future research and services!

If you:
- Are an adult (18 years or older)
- Have previously served a prison sentence
- Are willing to participate in an anonymous interview

Interview is:
- Approximately 45-90 minutes
- Conducted online, on the phone or face to face in Wellington 
- Voluntary, you may skip any question or stop at any time

Your privacy is important
Interviews are confidential and anonymous 
Your real name will not be used.
Any identifying details will be removed.

Contact me:
Email: nowakowikt@myvuw.ac.nz
Phone/text: 028 8516 4735"
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People Against Prisons Aotearoa @papa.org.nz · 18/07/2026
The homeless deserve help, not handcuffs. Please sign this petition calling on the Government to replace the move-on orders legislation with duty to assist legislation. our.actionstation.org.nz/petitions/de...
our.actionstation.org.nz
Demand the Government support people experiencing homelessness!
Everyone should have access to decent, secure and permanently affordable housing. But right now, many people in our communities are experiencing homelessness – living on couches, in cars, in overcrowd...
01010
People Against Prisons Aotearoa @papa.org.nz · 18/07/2026
The carceral, anti-LGBT+ and anti-homeless move-on orders are also extremely ageist against homeless tamariki and rangatahi, which would add to the long list of violations of human rights of children and youth that have been committed by the Government. www.rnz.co.nz/news/communi...
rnz.co.nz
Move-on orders risk 'punishing' children: Commissioner
The Children's Commissioner is warning that move-on orders risk punishing children and young people for being homeless.
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People Against Prisons Aotearoa @papa.org.nz · 14/07/2026
The homeless deserve help, not handcuffs. Please sign this petition calling on the Government to replace the move-on orders legislation with duty to assist legislation. our.actionstation.org.nz/petitions/de...
our.actionstation.org.nz
Demand the Government support people experiencing homelessness!
Everyone should have access to decent, secure and permanently affordable housing. But right now, many people in our communities are experiencing homelessness – living on couches, in cars, in overcrowd...
0117
People Against Prisons Aotearoa @papa.org.nz · 14/07/2026
Even though the move-on order legislation hasn't passed, its carceral and anti-homeless provisions are so awful that they're terrorising the homeless to such an extent that they're leaving city centers in advance. www.rnz.co.nz/news/communi...
rnz.co.nz
Move-on order fears already pushing rough sleepers out of city - social service provider
Fear surrounding the incoming move on orders is already pushing rough sleepers of out Auckland's central city, says a social service provider.
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People Against Prisons Aotearoa @papa.org.nz · 29/06/2026
Continued: papa.org.nz/2026/06/28/d...
Image five description: Picture of the following text:

"What you can do!

The Bill is not a sure thing. The ACT party have signalled that they will vote for it, but National MPs have expressed concerns. Labour, the Greens and Te Pāti Mãori are opposed.

You can make a submission on the Bill now. Links to submit, and our draft submission, are up on our blog at: papa.org.nz/blog

You can also call or email your local MP and encourage them to vote against it. Particularly if your local MP is a member of the National Party, this would be effective."
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People Against Prisons Aotearoa @papa.org.nz · 29/06/2026
You can read our submission against the transphobic Legislation (Definitions of Woman and Man) Amendments Bill here: papa.org.nz/2026/06/28/d... You have until 11:59PM on Thursday 2nd July 2026 to make a submission.

Image one description: Picture of the following text:

"Help to stop the Definitions of Woman and Man Bill...

The Bill would write a narrow, binary definition of "man", "woman", "male", and "female" into law, and make it apply to every, other piece of legislation that uses those words.

Submissions close 11:59pm Thursday 2 July"Image two description: Picture of the following text:

"What the Bill does

The Legislation (Definitions of Woman and Man) Amendment Bill would define "woman" as "an adult human biological female" and "man" as "an adult human biological male" across all NZ legislation, unless a specific law says otherwise.

The Bill strips legal recognition from trans people. It opens the door for legal efforts that would seek to exclude trans people from spaces, services and protections that match who they are."
Image three description: Picture of the following text:

"Who is behind it?

NZ First put forward the Definitions of Woman and Man Bill, and it follows petitions and pressure from organisations like Family First.

The Bill is part of an international movement, especially in the US and UK, to target, scapegoat, and strip the rights from trans people.

NZ First has previously drafted (then withdrawn) a Bill to fine people for using the "wrong" toilet. This Bill lays the legal groundwork for exactly that kind of law."Image four description: Picture of the following text:

"Our submission

PAPA's submission focuses on what this Bill means for trans people in prison. Corrections currently makes safety-based decisions about whether to place trans people in men's or women's facilities. This Bill could open up that practice to legal challenges, and force Corrections to place trans women in men's prisons, or vice versa.

This is incredibly dangerous. Trans people in prison already face dramatically higher rates of violence and sexual assault."
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People Against Prisons Aotearoa @papa.org.nz · 26/06/2026
Please sign this petition calling on the Government to close the failed youth bootcamps. our.actionstation.org.nz/petitions/sa...
our.actionstation.org.nz
Say NO to Youth Offender Boot Camps
Our young people deserve an equal chance and a society in which they are empowered and given the essential support they need to thrive.
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People Against Prisons Aotearoa @papa.org.nz · 26/06/2026
The failed youth bootcamps not only violate the human rights of rangatahi who are forced into them, they are also such horrific workplaces that they result in psychologists working their resigning. It's time for these bootcamps to be closed once and for all. www.rnz.co.nz/news/politic...
rnz.co.nz
Psychologist quits Oranga Tamariki bootcamp after two months
A senior psychologist at the government's bootcamp for young offenders quit the role less than two months into the start of this year's programme, RNZ can reveal.
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People Against Prisons Aotearoa @papa.org.nz · 23/06/2026
Caleb's whānau are seeking justice for his murder at the hands of Police, four years later. www.rnz.co.nz/news/crime-a...
rnz.co.nz
Coroner releases findings into Caleb Moefa'auo's death, family still waiting for apology
The mother of a man who died after being pepper-sprayed in an Auckland prison says she is yet to receive an apology, four years after her son's death.
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Reposted by People Against Prisons Aotearoa
Prisoner Correspondence Network Aotearoa @pcn.nz · 21/06/2026
Tāmaki whānau, we're holding our 2026 Matariki Holidard Card Drive today at the Ellen Melville Centre on the upper floor until 4PM. Come through to help write cards to our incarcerated whānau this Matariki!
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Reposted by People Against Prisons Aotearoa
Prisoner Correspondence Network Aotearoa @pcn.nz · 05/06/2026
Come along and write a card to our whānau in prison, alongside others in your community. Kai and refreshments provided. Just drop in anytime for as long as you like. All are welcome.
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Reposted by People Against Prisons Aotearoa
Prisoner Correspondence Network Aotearoa @pcn.nz · 05/06/2026
Tāmaki Makaurau whānau, come along to our Matariki Holiday Card Drive on Sunday 21st June from 12PM at the Ellen Melville Centre with Sunday Blessings. We are inviting people to come together and share some new year hope with those behind bars this Matariki. www.facebook.com/events/35043...
Image description: Picture of an artistic depiction of a sun, clouds and stars with the following text in the picture:

"Prisoner Correspondence Network
Matariki Holiday Card Drive 
Tāmaki Makaurau 
Sunday 21 June 
12PM-4PM
Ellen Melville Centre
Kai, cards & pens provided"
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People Against Prisons Aotearoa @papa.org.nz · 19/06/2026
We're proud to endorse @greenpeacenz.bsky.social and Anti-War Aotearoa's March For Peace on Saturday 20th June from 12PM at Aotea Square that's calling on the Government to delink from American capitalist imperialism and adopt a Te-Tiriti grounded independent foreign policy. marchforpeace.nz
Image description: Picture of a person holding a placard that says "No More War" with the following text around the picture:

"Anti-War Aotearoa + Greenpeace
20 June 2026, noon
Aotea Square, Auckland 
March For Peace 
End NZ's Complicity In Trump's Wars
Bring a friend, bring a banner."
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People Against Prisons Aotearoa @papa.org.nz · 18/06/2026
Our communities deserve safety, dignity, and recognition in law, not exclusion. What happens next depends on all of us.
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People Against Prisons Aotearoa @papa.org.nz · 18/06/2026
- Submit here: www3.parliament.nz/en/pb/sc/mak... - Not sure where to start? - QueerSpace has created a helpful submission tool:https://queerspace.nz/bill - Qtopia has an excellent submission guide: qtopia.org.nz/news/submiss...
www3.parliament.nz
Radware Page
Loader page.
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People Against Prisons Aotearoa @papa.org.nz · 18/06/2026
If you've ever said you stand with our communities, this is the moment it matters. Not quietly. Out loud. Take action: You can make a submission before 2 July, it only takes a few minutes, and your voice matters.
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People Against Prisons Aotearoa @papa.org.nz · 18/06/2026
We've signed an open letter addressed to the people of Aotearoa and the MPs who represent them because we need your support to ensure this bill does not pass: queerspace.nz/openletter
queerspace.nz
An open letter to Aotearoa New Zealand
25 rainbow organisations oppose the Definitions of Woman and Man Bill. Read it and make a submission before 2 July 2026.
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People Against Prisons Aotearoa @papa.org.nz · 18/06/2026
As organisations working to support, protect, and advocate for our trans, gender diverse, intersex, takatāpui, and MVPFAFF+ communities here in Aotearoa, we are deeply concerned about the far-reaching impacts this bill would have.
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People Against Prisons Aotearoa @papa.org.nz · 18/06/2026
The Legislation (Definition of Woman and Man) Amendment Bill is currently before Parliament. If passed, it would allow the law to define who counts as a woman and who counts as a man based solely on biology.
Image description: Picture of the following text:

"An open letter to Aotearoa New Zealand on the Legislation (Definitions of Woman and Man) Amendment Bill
18 June 2026

To the people of Aotearoa New Zealand, and the Members of Parliament who serve them,

We are organisations that share the kaupapa of supporting, protecting, and advocating for our rainbow, takatāpui, MVPFAFF+ and intersex communities here in Aotearoa. We run the helplines and the youth groups. We create resources, education, and community spaces. We work to create a safer and more inclusive Aotearoa for rainbow and takatāpui communities. The people we serve are your neighbours, your workmates, your kids' friends, ordinary New Zealanders whose identities have meaning that runs far deeper than this bill acknowledges.

Diversity of sex and gender is not a western import of 'woke' ideology. Takatāpui and Ira Tangata have always been part of these islands. MVPFAFF+ identities have always been part of the Pacific world Aotearoa belongs to. These identities predate colonisation, and this bill, which imports the language and tactics of culture wars from countries like the US and the UK, does not acknowledge that history. It writes over it.

We oppose the Legislation (Definitions of Woman and Man) Amendment Bill. It passed its first reading on 20 May 2026 and is now before the Social Services and Community Committee. Submissions close 2 July 2026. We ask that it not proceed, and we ask you to say the same."
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People Against Prisons Aotearoa @papa.org.nz · 16/06/2026
Anti-Children Minister Karen Chhour's refusal to divulge how many rangatahi are still in the bootcamps is the latest effort by the Government to cover up how these bootcamps have been a total and utter failure like every previous attempt has been. www.rnz.co.nz/news/politic...
rnz.co.nz
Children's Minister Karen Chhour won't say how many still in government's bootcamps
Quizzed at a Scrutiny Week hearing Karen Chhour insisted she was protecting the privacy of the children involved.
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People Against Prisons Aotearoa @papa.org.nz · 15/06/2026
The Government's failed tough on crime bill to increase punishments for theft will result in a massive increase in the women's prison population. This sexist outcome will only be avoided if this bill is scrapped and decarceration measures are implemented. www.rnz.co.nz/news/crime-a...
rnz.co.nz
Number of female prisoners expected to surge by 63 percent over next decade
The number of women serving time in prison is expected to surge 63 percent over the next decade, due to stronger punishments for theft.
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