Our Stories & Kōrero

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

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.

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.

17,000 tamariki with a parent in prison face invisible barriers. By understanding these barriers, we can create whānau-centred solutions.

We believe every child has the right to be heard. Discover why the Voice of the Child is at the centre of everything that we do.

Learn about this groundbreaking, youth-led consultation document, and you can use it to inform your own practices and policies.

"All I wanted to do was stand and salute you, to thank you for teaching us today...for putting fire in our bellies.” Judge Ida Malosi’s...

Here’s a glimpse into the powerful work of rangatahi revising the Children of Incarcerated Parents: Bill of Rights for tamariki in Aotearoa.

Pillars Ka Pou Whakahou is committed to advocating for justice policies to be evidence-led.

We need the government to put care plans in place for children when a parent goes to prison.

Children of people in prison are children of promise and potential. They are bright, courageous, strong, and creative. But instead of...

Pillars had the privilege of speaking with members of The Parliament of Victoria on their inquiry into children affected by parental...