Supporting Positive Futures

for tamariki and whānau of people serving a sentence.

Donate

Our Kaupapa

We believe every child in Aotearoa deserves to stride into the future with confidence, no matter their circumstances.

Pillars Ka Pou Whakahou is a charity that supports the tamariki and whānau of people in prison or those serving a community-based sentence. We walk alongside whānau, providing wraparound social work, mentoring programmes and youth advocacy.

Our Impact

20,000

Estimated children in Aotearoa, New Zealand living with a parent in prison.

10x

Children with a parent in prison are 10x more likely to go to prison without intervention.

$1 : $2.10

Every $1 invested in our mahi results in $2.10 social return in New Zealand.

Youth-led Voices

Ngā Rangatira Mō Āpōpō (Youth Advisory Panel) are rewriting what support looks like for tamariki impacted by whānau incarceration.

"Children and young people with a parent in prison deserve to live happy and healthy lives. They deserve to have access to support that is right for them."

- C. Kaiārahi of Youth Advisory Panel

Be a part of something bigger.

PillarsandPoliceeventChristchurchJemmaMitchellPhotography2023-49.jpg

Our Stories

Ngā Rangatira Mō Āpōpō presenting to Parliament

Seeds of Change: Ngā Rangatira Mō Āpōpō Present to Parliament

On the steps of Parliament, something remarkable happened. For the first time ever, Ngā Rangatira Mō Āpōpō took their kōrero to Parliament, shared their lived experiences and presented bold youth-led solutions to improve outcomes for tamariki with a parent in prison. They called for a new role, the Kaiwhatu Kura Whānau Navigator to help families navigate the criminal District Court. With powerful stories and unwavering mana, they planted seeds of change for generations to com

Youth Advisory Panelist advocating at the Youth-led Transformative Justice Conference

How Ngā Rangatira Mō Āpōpō is Reshaping Whānau Support in the Justice System

When a parent goes to prison, there is no dedicated role to support the children left behind. But through their vision, Ngā Rangatira Mō Āpōpō is reshaping what whānau support looks like in the justice system. Through the lived experience and advocacy of Ngā Rangatira Mō Āpōpō, we are calling for a bold and compassionate solution.

A kaiwhatu is both a guardian and a weaver—someone who preserves the taonga of their whānau, strengthens connections, and nurtures collective wellbeing.

Kaiwhatu Kura Whānau: Weaving Support for Tamariki Impacted by Whānau Incarceration

The justice system is complex and can be overwhelming for children with a parent in prison. That’s why Ngā Rangatira Mō Āpōpō (Youth Advisory Panel) are calling for change. Their vision? Kaiwhatu Kura Whānau: a dedicated role in the criminal courts to guide, support, and uplift tamariki through the system. Read our full kōrero to understand this role and why it is so impactful for future tamariki.

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Support our Mahi

Donate

One-time or regular donations help us connect tamariki with trusted volunteer mentors, deliver whānau with wraparound support, and grow our services to communities that need it most.

Donate

Become a Mentor

There are tamariki (children) waiting right now for someone just like you. As a mentor, your role is simple yet powerful: be a consistent, trusted adult in their life and spend time doing activities you both enjoy.

Become a Mentor

Share Our Kōrero

There are still over 20,000 tamariki in Aotearoa with a parent in prison, many without the support they need. You can help grow awareness and invite others into the kaupapa.

Learn More

Get in Touch

Pillars Ka Pou Whakahou is based in Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland) and Ōtautahi (Christchurch).

reception@pillars.org.nz
0508 PILLARS (0508 745527)

Supporting Positive Futures

for tamariki and whānau of people serving a sentence.

Our Kaupapa

Our Impact

20,000

Estimated children in Aotearoa, New Zealand living with a parent in prison.

10x

Children with a parent in prison are 10x more likely to go to prison without intervention.

$1 : $2.10

Every $1 invested in our mahi results in $2.10 social return in New Zealand.

Youth-led Voices

Ngā Rangatira Mō Āpōpō (Youth Advisory Panel) are rewriting what support looks like for tamariki impacted by whānau incarceration.

"Children and young people with a parent in prison deserve to live happy and healthy lives. They deserve to have access to support that is right for them."

- C. Kaiārahi of Youth Advisory Panel

Our Stories

Seeds of Change: Ngā Rangatira Mō Āpōpō Present to Parliament

How Ngā Rangatira Mō Āpōpō is Reshaping Whānau Support in the Justice System

Kaiwhatu Kura Whānau: Weaving Support for Tamariki Impacted by Whānau Incarceration

Support our Mahi

Donate

Become a Mentor

Share Our Kōrero

Get in Touch

Sign up for our

latest kōrero.

Supporting Positive Futures

for tamariki and whānau of people serving a sentence.

Our Kaupapa

Our Impact

20,000

Estimated children in Aotearoa, New Zealand living with a parent in prison.

10x

Children with a parent in prison are 10x more likely to go to prison without intervention.

$1 : $2.10

Every $1 invested in our mahi results in $2.10 social return in New Zealand.

Youth-led Voices

Ngā Rangatira Mō Āpōpō (Youth Advisory Panel) are rewriting what support looks like for tamariki impacted by whānau incarceration.

"Children and young people with a parent in prison deserve to live happy and healthy lives. They deserve to have access to support that is right for them." - C. Kaiārahi of Youth Advisory Panel

Our Stories

Seeds of Change: Ngā Rangatira Mō Āpōpō Present to Parliament

How Ngā Rangatira Mō Āpōpō is Reshaping Whānau Support in the Justice System

Kaiwhatu Kura Whānau: Weaving Support for Tamariki Impacted by Whānau Incarceration

Support our Mahi

Donate

Become a Mentor

Share Our Kōrero

Get in Touch

Sign up for our

latest kōrero.

"Children and young people with a parent in prison deserve to live happy and healthy lives. They deserve to have access to support that is right for them."

- C. Kaiārahi of Youth Advisory Panel