I am raising this issue in the hope that sharing my story will spark change in the future.

I drive through the gate and see women in blue. They’re going about their morning, just like everyone else in the world – except they’re in prison.

Shane Cuthbert was once in prison – now he is in politics, fighting for rights of the criminalised.

I was 12 when Mum went to prison. Instead of crying, I threw myself into planning everything we’d do once she came back.

My name is Leslie. I am a 66-year-old New Zealander and I have been incarcerated since August 2023 on a charge of dangerous driving causing GBH.

My name is Michael, and I am a person who has an ABI (acquired brain injury) and I have done a lot of time in prison.

“Keep your shit together, don’t let the bastards grind you down.”

Sometimes, it can be hard for people to tell their stories, especially when trying to describe things that cannot be put into words. Photovoice is a way to deal with this – it is a research method where people take photographs about aspects of their lives or topics that are important to them.

The community is now watching, listening and aware of lockdowns inside our prisons. The persistence with media, radio and newspaper, and with emails and phone calls is finally paying off. Next – a protest. What else is left to do?

Jail is a journey, and it is certainly not over the moment they hand you a release certificate, open that gate and send you on your way.