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Episode 5: Programmes & Promises; Who really gets a chance?

Episode 5 of the Home Ground Audio Journey, Take The Space



Home Ground, a creative collective dedicated to empowering women in the justice system through creativity, is excited to share the new episode of "Take the Space".


Programmes & Promises; Who really gets a chance? will be available on Wellington Access Radio 6pm on Tuesday 22nd of April 2025.


The Home Ground Collective, a community of artists (inside and outside of prison), uses dance, performance, writing, music, and visual arts to address the issues women and whānau face within the justice system. This project gives voice to women reclaiming their identities and navigating systemic challenges in creative ways.


Take the Space invites you into a world where the voices of women impacted by the justice system are heard, valued, and amplified. In this audio journey, the Home Ground Collective shares their stories of survival, strength, and creativity, taking control of their own narratives and shaping the future of the justice system.


Programmes & Promises; Who really gets a chance?

In this episode, we talk to two warrior wāhine who share their lived experiences of doing time together and navigating the immense challenges of reintegration after release. Their kōrero is raw and real—unpacking why healing and change aren’t simply boxes to tick, and how the only consistencies in prison are the inconsistencies which deepen frustration and reinforce systemic trauma many carry long before they ever reach the prison gates.


Reflecting on the challenges of accessing support behind the wire, their experiences highlight the empowering ability of the creative arts and the importance of programmes that foster real, lasting positive change. It takes incredible strength to challenge a system designed to inflict more trauma rather than support healing—and that strength shines through in every word.


Through grief, laughter, and honest storytelling, these wāhine remind us that connection and belonging are not privileges—they're fundamental to human survival. Being thrown back into a world less equipped than when you went in, coupled with the heavy stigma of the “criminal” label that feels like a target on your back, is not how we build supportive, successful communities—especially for the most vulnerable populations. 


Affective, accessible programmes and consistent support and care—from the inside out—are essential for reclaiming lost identity and finding new ways to belong in a world that often feels unwelcoming.


Call to Action:

Everyone who is incarcerated will eventually return to society—they are part of our community. This week, the call is simple: if you know someone who has just been released or is about to be, reach out. Welcome them home with kindness, and remind them they matter. A small act of love, support, and compassion might be the key to breaking the cycle and forging a new path forward together.


Why "Take the Space" Matters

The Home Ground Podcast aims to amplify voices that are often overlooked in the mainstream conversation about justice reform. Through this podcast, the Home Ground Collective is creating a platform for women who have been incarcerated or impacted by the justice system to speak for themselves, tell their stories, and reclaim their narrative. With each episode, listeners will hear how the arts — in all its forms — are used as tools for healing, empowerment, and social change.


“We are telling our stories on our own terms, in our own voices,” says a Home Ground participant. “It’s time for us to take the space that has always been ours, and to invite others to join us in creating a more just and compassionate world.”


Where to Listen



Social media through the following links:



Episode Credits:

Audio Engineer - Jonny Marx


Creative content written and performed by Home Ground crew


Taonga Pūoro collaboration led by Ruby Hinepunui Solly


Opening Song "Actions Speak Louder than Words"

A collaboration between artists inside and outside of Arohata Women's Prison, 2021.

Lyrics, poetry, performance, and concept: Project Rua participants in Arohata Prison

Guitar & composition: Hunter Parahihi

Vocals: Moana Leota

Taonga Pūoro: Ruby Hinepunui Solly

Recording and design: Aimee Martin


 

 
 
 

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