The prison population in Aotearoa has just reached 10,000 for the first time.
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.
Our demands are:
The immediate repeal of the Bail Amendment Act 2013. Since it came into force, this act has put 1,000 more people, who have not been found guilty of anything, in prison.
The immediate end to all planning, development and construction of the new facility at Waikeria Prison, which will house 1,500 more prisoners.
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.
We will be meeting at 12pm at Aotea Square and, from there, beginning our hikoi to the Mount Eden Corrections Facility. We will then end with speakers and live music, played loud both for us and for our whānau in prison.
At an average pace, the march route would usually take just over half an hour, but we will take it slowly so expect it to take a little longer. It will take us through central Auckland, so please bring your megaphones, banners, placards, instruments and noisemakers! We want the whole of Auckland to know that we will not be quiet when there are more than 10,000 people in Aotearoa’s prisons.
Our great list of performers and speakers will be announced soon so keep an eye out!
We’d really like to see you there!
WHEN: Saturday, February 11 at 12 PM – 2 PM
WHERE: Queen Street, Auckland
[…] We have a Corrections department that is more interested in hiding prisoner suicide stats than actually looking after their prisoners (more on that developing story next week), more interested in locking 10 000 NZers up for profit than rehabilitating them. […]
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