Children of people in prison are in a situation they did not choose, yet they face a sentence of their own.
They are frequently invisible victims of crime and may become socially and economically isolated. It is not their crime, but it is still their sentence.
Pillars Ka Pou Whakahou is a charity that actively supports the tamariki and whānau of people in prison or those serving a community-based sentence. Our Social Workers and Mentoring Coordinators are committed to supporting children and young people to work towards their goals and stride into the future with confidence.
Our Kaupapa
We believe every child in Aotearoa deserves to stride into the future with confidence, no matter their circumstances. All tamariki deserve to grow up knowing their potential is limitless.
Pillars Ka Pou Whakahou is a charity that actively supports the tamariki and whānau of people in prison or those serving a community-based sentence. We walk alongside whānau, providing wraparound social work and mentoring programmes.
Our Impact
20,000
Estimated children in Aotearoa New Zealand living with a parent in prison.
10x
Children with a parent in prison are 10x more likely to go to prison without intervention.
$1 : $2.10
Every $1 invested in our mahi results in $2.10 social return in New Zealand.
From our Kaimahi
The impact of our initiatives inspires us as they come to life through the people we serve. As we continue our mission, we aim to reach more individuals and communities with hope and optimism for a bright future.
"I'm beyond grateful for the support provided by this organization. Their dedication and generosity have made a significant difference in my life. Thank you for everything that you do."
"At the crucial time of need, you supported me and my family. The help you provided is invaluable, and the commitment to help individuals like me is deeply appreciated. Thank you for touching our lives.”
Support our Mahi
Donate
One-time or regular donations help us connect tamariki with trusted volunteer mentors, deliver whānau with wraparound support, amplify youth voices in advocating for change, and grow our services to communities that need it most.
Become a Mentor
There are tamariki (children) waiting right now for someone just like you. As a mentor, your presence means the world — a steady, caring adult who listens, shows up, and explores the world alongside them.
Share Our Kōrero
There are still over 20,000 tamariki in Aotearoa with a parent in prison, many without the support they need. You can help grow awareness and invite others into the kaupapa.
Get in Touch
Pillars Ka Pou Whakahou is based in Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland) and Ōtautahi (Christchurch)
We Believe Children of People in Prison are Children of Promise and Potential
Every dollar helps us provide wrap-around social work and mentoring services to our whānau and their children.
There are currently no laws that protect children of prisoners. While our service is free, the cost of supporting children and families is not.
By donating to Pillars Ka Pou Whakahou, you will make a real difference in building hope for children, so they are supported to create positive futures for themselves and are not the next generation incarcerated.
