Home Ground, a pioneering collective dedicated to empowering women in the justice system through creativity, is excited to announce the launch of its inaugural podcast, "Take the Space". The first episode, titled "The House that Home Ground Built", will be available to listeners on Wellington Access Radio starting 6pm on Tuesday 28th of January 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.
About "Take the Space"
The idea to create an audio journey came from the difficulty we faced trying to build a performance based on the lived experience of many women. For more on the origin story, check out this beautiful blog "An ode to RUKUS".
We wanted to find the threads of truth, figure out what we wanted to say, and what we want people to understand about the impact of the justice system in Aotearoa.
Within prison, sensory deprivation is a reality and one of the most challenging aspects to endure. Home Ground utilizes sound—music and ambient noises—to create alternative creative worlds within the institution. The collective recorded sounds and images that held significance for them. Our aim was to explore our 'sacred sounds' and narrate stories of reclamation.
Every episode provides listeners with a chance to discover the impactful work being done by Home Ground, featuring personal stories from women who have navigated the justice system and the innovative projects that aid them in reclaiming their lives. The podcast acts as a call to action — urging listeners to connect with the shared stories and help transform the justice system for the better.
Episode 1: The House that Home Ground Built
In the debut episode, Home Ground co-founder Jacqui and collective members Roseanne, Pip and Rachel, introduce the project and its mission. Titled "The House that Home Ground Built", the episode explores the journey of creating a space for women in the justice system to thrive, heal, and create lasting change. The episode also highlights how creativity has played a vital role in rebuilding identities, surviving trauma, and fostering hope — not just for the women involved, but for their whānau (families) as well.
“We've built something special over the last five years — a house where women can come together, share their stories, and begin to heal,” says one of the core crew members. “This podcast is a way for us to share what we've learned and invite the world into our space."
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
Wellington Access Radio: https://accessradio.org.nz/shows-podcasts/take-the-space/
Website: homegroundnz.com
Social media through the following links:
Instagram: @home_ground_poneke
Facebook: HomeGroundPoneke
Episode One Credits:
Audio Engineer - Jonny Marx
Creative content written and performed by the Home Ground Collective
Opening poem: Ko Wai Au, written by Roseanne and Jacqui
Taonga Pūoro: Ruby Hinepunui Solly
Sound recording: Aimmee Martin
Sound scape design: Dan James
From the Home Ground short film Project Toru,
Directed by Vanessa Stacey
"Actions Speak Louder than Words" was a collaboration between artists on inside and outside of Arohata Women's Prison, 2021.
Lyrics, poetry, performance and concept: Project Rua participants in Arohata Prison
Vocals: Moana Leota
Guitar & music composition: Hunter Parahihi Sound
Taonga Pūoro: Ruby Hinepunui Solly
Recording and design: Aimee Martin
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