Evelyn Riddell from Nga Peka Matauranga O Waitaha recounts her pathway to prison volunteering:

My pathway began over 20 years ago when I became the administrator for several government training programmes. Some of these programmes included Te Reo, Tikanga and Maori Performing Arts (Kapahaka).

It was clear that a lot of our trainees (as they were called then) were in trouble with the authorities and facing gaol terms. It was a common occurrence to see a blue uniform arriving at the top of our first storey premises, while at the same time seeing a trainee disappearing down the fire escape at the rear of the premises!

It was one of those trainees, who after going to prison, requested I visit him. After a while, we identified a big need for programmes within the prisons where Maori prisoners could identify with their heritage through learning Te Reo, Tikanga and Kapahaka. This was arranged, with programmes being delivered to up to 40 prisoners in the old visiting room in Paparua.

For the first couple of years this programme was delivered by volunteers. Many of the prisoners had no or limited knowledge of identity, whakapapa or te reo, but were eager to learn.

Over the years we have faced many challenges in providing these services. I still spend many hours of my time in meetings, organising and planning, to ensure that programmes are being delivered, but I don’t consider myself a volunteer. Just a person who identified a need and feels that all Maori prisoners should have a right to their heritage and te reo and is passionate about getting it done well.

The rewards are many. For example, seeing the satisfaction and pride in the faces of prisoners when they take part in a Powhiri, stand to Whaikorero, Mihi in te reo or perform Kapahaka. The tikanga and respect they show when manuhiri are present and their stance when they stand to speak. But particularly, changes in direction and pathways taken by the prisoners upon release.

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