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Home Ground May Newsletter 🗞️

Updated: Jun 5

A monthly round-up of connection, creativity, and community.

Each month, we bring you a vibrant recap of everything we’ve been up to, highlighting moments from our community initiatives and prison projects. Dive into our latest updates, enjoy never-before-seen images, and soak in a beautifully curated summary of the past four weeks.


Episode 5: Programmes & Promises; Who really gets a chance?

In this episode, we talk to two warrior wāhine who share their lived experiences of doing time together and navigating the immense challenges of reintegration after release. Their kōrero is raw and real—unpacking why healing and change aren’t simply boxes to tick, and how the only consistencies in prison are the inconsistencies which deepen frustration and reinforce systemic trauma many carry long before they ever reach the prison gates.




Listen to this podcast now on our website, YouTube or Wellington Access Radio


🍃 Pakohe Papers - Whanganui ki te Ao!


Marilyn and Marty Vreede, the creators and directors of Pakohe Whanganui, are dedicated to sharing the richness of Māori culture with the world through their motto "Whanganui ki te Ao",Whanganui to the world. Proudly rooted in the beauty and spirit of the Whanganui River, their mission is to craft high-quality, authentic Māori educational resources and deliver inspiring professional development workshops. Their work reflects deep respect for Te Awa Tupua, ensuring every offering upholds the river’s mana.




🎇SPARK IN THE PARK


Home Ground is lighting up the Newtown Park Apartments with Spark in the Park — a series of pop-up performances designed to bring joy, connection, and creativity to our community! Funded by the Community Performing Arts Trust, these bite-sized shows take place in the shared courtyard and can be enjoyed from below or from your window.

✨ Come for the spark, stay for the smiles.

👉 Read more about the project here 🎇SPARK IN THE PARK



❤️ Support for Mums in Prison


Did you know all women’s prisons have social workers available to support mums and mums-to-be? Whether you're hapū, have a pēpi under 24 months, or are considering the mothers with babies unit, there are services and spaces designed to support you and your whānau. Learn more about your rights, the application process, and how to access extra care while inside.


👉 Read the full blog here Mums and bubs in prison




So, what is institutionalisation?


"Three meals and a bed for free"—that’s how some describe prison. But those of us who’ve lived it know the truth runs far deeper. Institutionalisation doesn’t end at the gates—it follows you, reshaping your mind, your sense of self, your ability to survive on the outside.


In this real, personal reflection, FREEBIRD explores the emotional and psychological impact of incarceration—how it breaks people down, and what it means to keep resisting in a system designed to erase us.


👉 Read the full blog here So, what is institutionalisation?



Supporting Women Post-Release: A Research Project Calling for Participants


Meet Mya Williams — a Master’s student in Criminology at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, currently undertaking important research into the post-release experiences of women in Aotearoa who have used alcohol or other drugs and have spent time in prison.






For more details or to kōrero further, please reach out to


 Mya Williams (she/her) – mya.williams@vuw.ac.nz



Thank you for taking the time to catch up on all things Home Ground this month. We truly appreciate your continued support and engagement. We’ve got some exciting things lined up in the near future, including rangatahi mahi, more prison gigs and community initiatives. Be sure to stay tuned—there’s so much more to come! Thanks again for being part of our journey.


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Love, Team HG



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