Blog

• Media Release: Springhill riot inquiry must be fair and transparent The Howard League for Penal Reform is calling on the Department of Corrections to ensure that the inquiry into the Springhill riot is fair and transparent. There will be one independent expert on the review panel, which is a good start. However, the inquiry must interview prisoners as well as staff, and it must be publicly recorded, says Madeleine Rose, spokesperson for the Howard League. Ends: Contact:  Madeleine Rose 027 2035565 #
• RIP GREG KING. The Howard League mourns the loss of Greg King. Being a member of the Wellington committee was just one of many ways Greg served the interests of justice in New Zealand. The Christchurch and Otago branches pass on our sympathies to the Wellington members who knew him well, and the whole organisation's thoughts are with his family. Rest in peace, Greg. #
• CONGRATULATION TO THE LADS AT ST THOMAS' AND THOSE IN THE YOUTH UNIT AT CHCH MENS' PRISON. A while back we reported on an initiative involving a team of young lads from St Thomas of Canterbury school who, in partnership with a group of youths in prison, created a company selling breadboards as part of the Canterbury Young Enterprises Scheme. Well, they won - and now it's off to the nationals. Good luck to Lincoln Harrison, Sam Rogatski, Tana Luke, Andre Gaudin, Daniel Rawson, Jak Fraser Marshall and Nick Kwank. While a great effort, perhaps more significant is the positive influence this has had on the young men inside the prison walls. A great story all round. #
• COUNCIL SENSIBLY BACKS DOWN IN THE FACE OF LEAGUE'S LEGAL THREAT. The Wanganui Council has back down from their shunning and trespassing campaign against Stewart Murray Wilson in the face of legal action proposed by the Howard League. While welcome news, it doesn't excuse the hysteria the Council whipped up around this difficult issue. Mayor Annette Main and Jarrod Gilbert from the Howard League discussed the backdown on Breakfast. Watch it here. #
• YOUTH DENIED THEIR RIGHTS IN CELLS ACCORDING TO THE INDEPENDENT POLICE COMPLAINTS AUTHORITY. A troubling finding that must be corrected. Read about it here. #

Officers Stand around while Antonie Dixon dies

Media Release 22 April 2013 Officers standing around while Antonie Dixon dies – Howard League demands answers The Howard League is calling for the Department of Corrections to be held to account for the failure in their duty of care to Antonie Dixon. Prison Officers were unaware that an exception for unlocking Mr Dixon’s cell existed [...]

Wellington Branch AGM

The second annual general meeting of the Wellington Branch will be held on Monday 20 May 2013 at 5:30pm at the Community Law Centre on Willis Street. As well as hearing from members, and planning for 2013-2014, the management committee will be elected – including a President, Secretary and Treasurer. Please come along [...]

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