I’d never have guessed at the amount of movement happening within the prison system. Not just within a particular prison – that in itself was eye-opening – but movement between prisons.

Prisons de-individualise and dehumanise people. This is often more apparent for people who already do not fit the mold of a “normal person”, such as those with autism spectrum disorder (autism).

The entertainment and news media loves to show a confrontational and violent “don't back down” version of prison life, but what they don't show is the genuine care and openness between strangers in prison.

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.”