TAKE NO PRISONERS ISSUE 6, FEBRUARY 2021 PAPA People Against Prisons Aotearoa

CORRECTIONS DOESN’T THE LIMITS OF FREQUENTLY ASKED PC01 WANT YOU TO READ THIS “KINDNESS” TakeQUESTIONS No Prisoners May 2021COMPLAINTS Issue 6 1 This is simply untrue. The whole point newsletter away from you. They’ll minimum rights recognised by of the last issue of Take No Prisoners make up excuses and say we’re Parliament. was to prevent future violence like inciting violence (again: we want to what happened at Waikeria. We prevent violence). Some prisoners will The idea that no one has the right want to make sure that human rights simply have their mail withheld and to physically, emotionally, or abuses and awful conditions are will never get a copy. psychologically shame or torture addressed before people use violence anyone – no matter what got them into prison. to solve these issues. The idea that prisoners, working But even the idea of non-violent together, can peacefully and non- political organising makes Kelvin violently push Corrections to change. sit uneasy in his comfy chair in It has happened in other places and it Parliament. can happen in Aotearoa! Corrections is undermining Ideas cannot be controlled. When freedom of speech there are enough people who share our love of freedom, our movement We think that’s why we heard from will be unstoppable. prisoners across the country that Officers have been confiscating copies of Take No Prisoners. From Ngāwha to Tongariro to Rimutaka, prisoners have written to tell us that Corrections has If you want back issues of Take been stealing copies of TNP. No Prisoners, write to us and let This is a breach of your basic human us know. right to freedom of speech. To make it If your copy of Take No Prisoners even worse, Corrections has decided But some copies have slipped through (or someone else’s copy) has to censor mail we’re sending you the censorship regime. Some copies been confiscated, please let us simply because they disagree with it. are being read, right now, by prisoners know. Please tell us when the There is a group of powerful people like you. copy was confiscated and what who believe that no one should be reason was given. The power of ideas able to say or do anything about the If you are willing to, please broken system they enforce. And if there are more people like you, fill out a complaint about the that means these ideas can spread. censorship and send us a copy Freedom of speech matters In your hands is something Corrections believes is too dangerous to control. To The idea that every person, including of your complaint. If enough them, a few words and images folded into a newsletter is a major threat to the Freedom of speech is something that prisoners, deserve to be treated with prisoners send us this evidence, centuries of activists struggled for. dignity and respect. we can confront Corrections in racist and cruel prison system. People in power have resisted that the media or in Court about this right because they know change starts The idea that Corrections cannot breach of freedom of speech. with a group of people making their continue to simply ignore the basic voices heard. The right to criticise Corrections is scared of turn into action. Prisoners standing newsletter – Take No Prisoners – is so people in power is so important that, prisoners standing up for together in solidarity with people dangerous that he had to report it to without it, we become a society run outside the wire can achieve justice, the Police. by tyrants. human rights respect, and dignity. What they fear is an idea: that Kelvin Davis was so afraid of a But Corrections believes that your But Corrections doesn’t want you to prisoners deserve basic human rights. newsletter just telling prisoners about basic right to freedom of speech is read this newsletter. They know that For a system that is based on the their fundamental human rights and something they can take away when if people like you know about your misery and oppression of thousands how to get them respected, that he they don’t like what we say. rights and non-violently demand that of people each year, the idea that you you be respected, their power will ran scared and called the cops. There is probably a Corrections official deserve to be treated with dignity and decrease. reading this right now, pulling a sour respect is terrifying. Kelvin Davis lied puss face. That official is deciding whether their feelings matter more But what really keeps them up at Kelvin Davis is scared Kelvin Davis also lied. Either that or than your human rights. night is the idea you might try to do That’s why the bumbling Minister of he was so confused that he seemed something about this. Political change Corrections, Kelvin Davis, got up in to think that this newsletter was an Right now, officials are probably becomes possible when big ideas Parliament to tell the world that this attempt to stir up violence. trying to think up a way to take this

2 Take No Prisoners May 2021 Issue 6 Take No Prisoners May 2021 Issue 6 3 2020: Prisons Were the Frequently asked questions We have put together some frequently asked questions about our Inside- Limits of “Kindness” Outside Committees plan, also known as Ngā Ringaringa E Rua (NRER). We hope this FAQ section is useful and provides information about the short and Covid-19 had Jacinda Ardern asking us all to “be kind,” but where was the long-term objectives of Ngā Ringaringa E Rua. kindness for prisoners?

The spokesperson will be in charge realistic about the kind of support Covid-19 had Jacinda Ardern asking These high stress conditions have What is a PPC? The Mental Health Effects of of communication between the we can provide. We all know us all to “be kind,” but where was probably worsened violence in A Prisoner Political Committee (PPC) Social Distances Were Likely PPC and the CPOC. They will Corrections likes to use their power the kindness for prisoners? Last year, prisons. The people involved in is a group of prisoners who meet Felt More in Prison be responsible for voicing the in unwarranted situations. For there were lockdowns so long they the riot at Waikeria Prison talked regularly and work together to find concerns of the PPC and will receive that reason, we cannot guarantee may have breached the UN Standard There was less contact from family about prison conditions at the time. non-violent solutions to collective communications from the CPOC the complete protection of people and friends, especially at Alert Level 3 Other prisoners at Waikeria have issues. These solutions will ensure Minimum Rules for the Treatment of and PAPA. involved in a PPC. However, if a and higher. Corrections talked about written to us expressing fears for people in prison are granted basic Prisoners. And violence reached the situation was to arise, we can put the importance of social distancing their safety from the riot itself. On human rights. point of national media attention. What issues could we talk pressure on Corrections if they and keeping Covid-19 out of prisons. top of that, violence against prison While ’s Covid-19 do mistreat anyone involved. If And it’s true, both prisoners and staff and prisoners is increasing. What is a CPOC? about? response was praised, prisoners you keep us in the loop with what staff are very vulnerable to catching The use of pepper spray against You will have the best knowledge suffered. A Community Political Outreach is happening, we can go public and spreading Covid-19. But social prisoners by guards has become of issues that affect you. Some Committee (CPOC) will be assigned about anything Corrections does isolation takes a toll on a person’s especially common. Karma Cripps is examples of issues include Solitary Confinement Even to each PPC. The CPOC is made up of to undermine your safety or basic mental health and that’s a safety issue suing Corrections because segregation, cell confinement, Before Covid-19 Women’s Prison gassed her cell with mana whenua, individuals and local human rights. The safety of people for prisoners too. organisations who live locally to their access to rehabilitation, quality of Corrections defended the lockdowns pepper spray despite knowing she in prison is important to PAPA and assigned prison and are committed healthcare, or use of force by CO’s. by saying they kept prisoners and Limited supplies, access to facilities, was asthmatic. In June, Jamel Floyd, although our power is limited, we to the kaupapa of NRER. The CPOC staff safe from Covid. But in May available programmes, and medical a Black man with asthma, died after will do what we can to support will meet regularly to highlight and What is the next step? 2020, a woman at Auckland Region staff have been reported at some being pepper sprayed in his cell in those involved in PPCs. discuss current issues in their assigned Once you have gathered at least 10 Women’s Corrections Facility said the prisons. Lockdowns meant even less New York. So there’s a lot of reason prison, and help find solutions. signatures and collectively decided excessive time in lockdown started access to some of these resources. for concern here, too. How do I know if there is a on the key issues you face, send a before the pandemic. Mihi Bassett’s Having limited programmes and less PPC in my prison? contact with whānau makes planning How many people do I need letter to PAPA to inform us of your experiences, going back to at least We’re in This Together If you are unsure if your prison has for release from prison harder. Former to form a PPC? decisions. Make sure the letter is January, line up with this. Also, the The struggles prisoners faced in 2020 a PPC, reach out to PAPA and we prisoners also face employment signed by all members of the PPC, United Nation’s’s Mandela Rules on have shown the limits of this idea of In order to form a PPC you will need will see how we can help. difficulties because of Covid-19’s so that we can formalise your solitary confinement say that more “kindness” our Prime Minister keeps at least 10 people and an allocated impact on the economy. At a time committee. than 22 hours in lockdown is too long, mentioning. Actions speak louder than spokesperson. Having at least 10 when prisoners and former inmates I have a question that and some prisoners may not have words. Solidarity is an action and it is people in your PPC means the need more support than ever, some Will we be targeted or wasn’t answered here! gotten their entitlements under the one we are committed to. The greater issues raised are collective and the will find it harder to come by. punished by Corrections for Corrections Act of 2004. Prisoners national attention on conditions in committee has a diverse group of Reach out to us at: reported being trapped in their cells prisons is also a hopeful sign of a voices. starting a PPC? People Against Prisons Aotearoa for up to 29 hours at a time. Without Putting People in High Stress brighter future. So remember, you’re While we wish we could give the PO Box 5870 activities, exercise, or even fresh air, Situations May Lead to More not alone. Together, we can change What is the role of a assurance that we will keep you Victoria Street West some people felt hopeless. Violence things for the better! spokesperson? safe, it is important for us to be Auckland 1142

4 Take No Prisoners May 2021 Issue 6 Take No Prisoners May 2021 Issue 6 5 The name of the officer and the date and time you gave them the complaint will be on the copy they gave you.

Don’t sign off the complaint until you are completely happy that everything has been done - they may tell you that it will be done by lockup or some similar promise. They can bring the form back to How to Make PC01 Complaints you at lockup! Never sign on a promise.

This is an awesome guide for prisoners, by prisoners (specifically, our penpal Making complaints just Bruce) about how to make complaints. Thanks so much for your mahi, Bruce! gets you moved: Also, if any of you would like to write something similar, please send it through Sometimes you will get moved to to us and we’ll try to get it published in a future issue of Take No Prisoners. another unit or to another prison, or officers will do other things to retaliate. You might also get moved to where there are more When you decide to ask for a it does, you probably haven’t given Before you need to jobs or courses or some other PC01 form, the officers will try enough details. Attach as many complain: genuine reason. to persuade you not to make a extra pages as you need, but don’t If you’re not already keeping some complaint. They might be able to make your complaint huge just to If you are sure that you got moved sort of diary, start now. Mine is just sort the problem out right away, or be annoying. One extra page should just to make the complaint go a 1B5 exercise book. they might promise to deal with it usually be enough. away, or they are retaliating in later the same day. Every time you ask for something, How to get your complaint some other way, then you might make a note of the date, who you In my experience, any offer to sort want to put in a complaint about asked, anything they told you. Note out the problem “soon” is just into IOMS: that because they are not allowed down any forms you post, any mail another delay tactic. If you have When you hand your complaint to retaliate – see Corrections Act or phone calls to the inspectorate already waited long enough, insist to an officer, they will again try 2004, 5152 (1) (b). or official agencies, kiosk requests. that you want a PC01 form, they to persuade you not to make a Anything that might be useful later. have already had enough time. complaint and promise to sort it What next? out “soon”. I would suggest that if Try to be as patient as you can, What to include in your you have got this far you should Hopefully your problem gets never raise your voice or get angry complaint: insist the complaint goes in. Even solved within the two weeks. But no matter how frustrating this is. if they can sort it out “right now” next I’ll write about dealing with » Learning to be calm and patient, What you’re complaining about you should tell them to put the the inspectors and what you can assertive and not aggressive, is a » Any relevant parts of the P.O.M. complaint into IOMS as a record do after that. useful skill for when you get out or the Corrections Act 2004 or of them not acting at all until it of prison. If the officer shouts or any other legislation or policy became a PC01 complaint. Never use the complaint system swears at you when you are being just to annoy staff. All that So many people look at prisoners that applies to this complaint. Be clear that you expect them to fill Emnah produced this brilliant calm, make a note of this in your achieves is that they’ll make the You don’t need to write this out in the receipt part and give you a piece of art, and describes the or former prisoners as being below diary! complaint system more difficult everybody else - it's convenient to lock in full, they can go look it up copy of the completed form in the idea behind it below. next 10-15 minutes. If you have not and less effective for everyone. people away, take away their voice and How long you should wait and » Everything you already tried Also, you can be charged for To me it’s how I feel, as a prisoner I felt ignore problems. how often you should keep asking before making this complaint got this after an hour or more, leave less than and undeserving of basic human making frivolous complaints There is no faith in the system, because depends on the request. For some – all the dates, names etc. from a message on the inspector’s 0800 rights. (PC01.12). it doesn't work. The people that need the things there are time limits in the your diary number. I was humiliated by staff and cut off from most help are the ones that have the least. P.O.M. but for most you will need to my family and the outside world. » A “measurable goal or target” – In the next 24 hours, they must put Don’t be intimidated out of use your own judgment. Toilet paper The system makes it so hard for prisoners. what you would want to happen the details into IOMS and give you making a complaint if it’s the Taken from prison in an ambulance to you should get the same day. Being Prisons don't fix problems, they create before you accept that this a printout. If they know you already appropriate next step. And make hospital, handcuffed to a stranger and put on a course might take months. stripped of my dignity having to use the them. complaint is properly dealt with have a receipt copy, you should not sure they put it into IOMS if you toilet while handcuffed to someone. A medical or dental appointment have any problems with this next do make a complaint. “The definition of insanity is doing the shouldn’t take more than one Your complaint doesn’t need to fit step. But if you do, call the inspector (I have no history of violence whatsoever same thing over and over again and month. in the space provided on the form. If on 0800 225 697 and let them know. - Bruce and hadn’t done anything wrong.) expecting different results.”

6 Take No Prisoners May 2021 Issue 6 Take No Prisoners May 2021 Issue 6 7 HAVE P YOUR Alan’s oem 1

To all the people that don’t believe in hell; SAY Try doing eight years in a 6x4 cell. Four walls, a window, is all you see; You miss all the small things, like grass or a tree.

It is known to most, if you do a bad crime, You’ll end up in jail doing hard time. If you are lucky one day you’ll be free, Kia ora e hoa mā, , and we’ll try our best to help send us a letter – if we gather But if you take someone’s life that’s highly unlikely. where we can. enough perspectives, it could make We at PAPA would like to thank a great story for a future issue of Your first days in jail you will never forget; every single person who wrote to us According to Bruce, “The Feb Take No Prisoners. in response to our last two issues. newsletter is being taken by CO’s Locked in a cell with someone you’ve never met. Hearing from you is so important in this unit by order of the prison Peter mentioned something that we You’ll be pushed into a corner and put to the test; to us, and helps us understand manager [but] lots of us already have think is really important. He said Get ready to fight the biggest and the best. what’s really happening in prisons it and are keeping it out of sight. I “There [are] areas where we believe Don’t ever back down or show any fear, in Aotearoa. gather this has been an order from that we can be of assistance, and the top and applies to all prisons.” They will take all you’ve got and strip you bare. A lot of you mentioned the difficult also to advise why some goals will be We’ve heard similar stories from harder, if not impossible to achieve experiences you went through in other prisoners, and we reckon this the last year. Andre, for example, without a deeper understanding of If you want to survive act like ghost; isn’t fair. Whatever happened to the prison mechanism.” We need Keep your head down and your secrets close. explained that he was not allowed freedom of speech in this country? this kind of prisoner-led knowledge to attend his mother’s burial after Let us know if this keeps happening. Whether you are sentenced to one year or nine, she passed away in June. Kia kaha, to do the work that we do. Please, By law, all they can take is your time. Andre, we’re so sorry to hear of your We also received some lovely if you can, submit content for this loss. compliments – Andre, for example, newsletter! We would love for future You know your sentence and have an end date, wanted us to thank all the people issues to have more words directly But welcome to jail it’s hell on a plate. Many of you are unhappy with who sent Christmas cards. He sent from your mouths. prison conditions. Andre mentioned “so much gratitude for all the mahi the low number of doctors working you do”. PAPA is volunteer-run, so Looking to hearing from at his facility. Cameron detailed we really appreciate when you let us you all soon. the difficulties that prisoners at know that we’re helping. Waikeria have faced during and Madeline Henry after the riots. Both Bruce and We also appreciate you letting us Prisoner Newsletter Coordinator James explained that their prisons know what else we could write have contradictory policies (where about! What kind of topics do Would you like to ‘Have Your Say’? you hear one thing from one you want us to explore? James Send us a letter to the address below! person in charge, and another mentioned that he was having a says something totally different). lot of problems with the Victim People Against Prisons Aotearoa These stories sound so difficult and Notification Register and Authorised PO Box 5870 frustrating, and our hearts are with Property Rules for prisoners. If Victoria Street West you. Please keep letting us know this anyone else is having similar issues, Auckland 1142

8 Take No Prisoners May 2021 Issue 6 Take No Prisoners May 2021 Issue 6 9 FAQ Crossword You’ll find the words in this crossword in the FAQ section of this newsletter! Alan’s Poem 2

Today I sit in jail scared, this is it for me All I want to do is share my story on how this came to be How I became a one-percenter in life One of New Zealand’s baddest criminals who allegedly carries a knife

Have you ever heard of monkey see, monkey do? Party, drugs and alcohol is about all I knew I’m just a kid from another broken home Failed by the system that left me to fight life on its own

I lost my childhood years moving home to home Trying to figure out who I was and why I was so alone I’m 46 now and I’m still searching for the answers I just hope my mistakes in life haven’t made me run out of chances

I started watching my parents having so much fun Way back in the ‘70s, hippies, drugs, alcohol, parties in the sun As we know, young children learn from what they see But maybe I took too much notice, all unanswered questions I’m trying to figure out on me

I know the system failed me when it came to schooling and education I remember sitting at the back of the class, a dumb kid on vacation All the signs teachers are trained to see I was just one of many children with a learning disability

I was 32 when I learned how to read and write It was easy to push a dumb kid to the back of the class out of sight Being kicked out of school at 12, alarm bells should have rung No letters to my parents or phone calls to say what I’d done

Not that it would have made a difference, because I was living on my own Like I said at the beginning, just another kid from a broken home I was left to take on the world, in the deep end I was thrown Swimming with the sharks, survival is all I’ve known

My life has been a gamble, the first bet I ever won Dad bet me 500 dollars I’d be in jail by the time I was 21 I would have rather a punch in the face and a kick in the right direction But all I got was a way goodbye as he followed the bottle and his next erection

I was 13 when I got my first job working for a family friend I lost my right to be a kid, I knew life was going to be battle to the end Getting jobs was hard enough when you cannot read or write But knowing my life and how life works I was always judged at first sight

For every door that was opened, I had two slammed in my face I’m sick of running a marathon and always coming last place.

10 Take No Prisoners May 2021 Issue 6 Take No Prisoners May 2021 Issue 6 11 Are you a poet or artist? Would you like to see your work in an upcoming issue of Take No Prisoners or on PAPA’s (Facebook, , Instagram)? We know the prison system makes it hard to express yourself, but your voices deserve to be heard. One of the most powerful ways to express yourself is through art. If you’ve written a poem or drawn a picture about your experiences, please send it to our address, which you can find on Page 3 and again on Page 8. Feel free to add a note about what your art means to you and where you’d be happy seeing it shared. Sudoku

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Meme Competition

Create your own version of the meme on the left, using the spaces in the version on the right. Send your creations through to us and we’ll include our favourites in a future issue of Take No Prisoners. (Also, let us know if you have any other ideas for fun games and competitions!)

12 Take No Prisoners May 2021 Issue 6