Published November 2021

This report was written at the invitation of the Human Rights Commission. It follows Time for a Paradigm Shift: a follow up review of seclusion and restraint practices in New Zealand (Human Rights Commission, 2020), and the concerns identified in that report regarding the use of solitary confinement and force against women in prison, particularly Mäori women. This report is informed by data obtained during the preparation of the Paradigm Shift report from the Department of Corrections in the 2019
calendar year, as well as observations by the author during a visit to Auckland Region Women’s Corrections Facility (ARWCF) in July 2020.

This report shines a light on harmful practices in women’s prisons in New Zealand. It finds that while there have been some encouraging policy developments in recent years, such as the Department of Corrections Change Lives Shape Futures: Wahine – E rere ana ki te Pae Hou (Women rising above a new horizon): Women’s Strategy 2017–2021 and the Hökai Rangi: Ara Poutama Aotearoa Strategy: 2019-2024 with its commitment to kaupapa Mäori approaches, deep challenges remain. In particular, the report identifies a worrying gap between policy statements and practices on the ground. (From the Executive summary). See the HRC media release and Department of Corrections response. Record #7337