About us

A century of penal reform in New Zealand

The New Zealand Howard League for Penal Reform has roots stretching back to 1924, with a history of advocacy, reform and practical support.

Our history

A history of reform and advocacy

  1. 1924

    The Howard League is established

    The New Zealand Howard League for Penal Reform was originally established in 1924. There were seven branches across New Zealand. It takes its name from the 18th-century English penal reformer John Howard.

  2. Early reform

    Reform and advocacy

    The New Zealand Howard League successfully campaigned against capital punishment and flogging in prisons. It also campaigned to improve conditions in borstals, detention centres and prisons.

  3. 2011

    The organisation is reconstituted

    In 2011, the New Zealand Howard League for Penal Reform was reconstituted by the former Labour Party president Mike Williams, businessman Tony Gibbs (1948–2020) and leading barrister Peter Williams (1934–2015).

  4. Charitable status

    Dame Catherine Tizard

    Dame Catherine Tizard (1931–2021) was among the first board members of the reconstituted organisation. Her support was instrumental in helping the organisation achieve charitable status.

Our team

The people behind our work

Our work is made possible by people across New Zealand who bring experience, knowledge and a shared commitment to practical rehabilitation and successful reintegration.

Executives

  • Woman with glasses

    Liz Street

    Chief Executive

  • Amy Gillard

    General Manager

Board of Directors

  • Mike Williams

    Director

  • Woman wearing glasses smiling

    Judith Tizard

    Director

  • Cliff Cook

    Patron

  • Man in glasses

    Garry Pollak

    Director

  • Woman with glasses smiling

    Claire Dale

    Chair

  • Woman with glasses

    Liz Street

    Chief Executive

Team Leaders

  • Wayne Lajeunesse

    Kauri Mana

  • Kim Swindells

    Nga Hau e Wha

  • Neil Hickmott

    Te Papaioea

  • Brendan Gwynne

    Takitimu

  • Rawiri Daniels

    Kaiawhina

Our organisation

A separate New Zealand charity

The New Zealand Howard League for Penal Reform is a separate charity from the Howard League for Penal Reform, which has branches in Canterbury, Wellington and Otago.

Our core values

The principles that guide our work

  • Whanaungatanga

    We prioritise relationships and embrace diversity

  • Kotahitanga

    We walk alongside each other to succeed

  • Manaakitanga

    We show care and respect, and receive it in return

  • Rangatiratanga

    We teach skills to empower independence

  • Kaitiakitanga

    We take responsibility for ourselves, and advocate for our people

Gallery

Our work and our people

  • Five people looking at the camera including a man with his face blurred holding up a certificate.

Help us create more opportunities

Donate to the New Zealand Howard League for Penal Reform

Your donation supports literacy, driver licensing and reintegration programmes across Aotearoa.

YOUR SUPPORT HELPS FUND

  • Literacy and learning
  • Driver licensing
  • Reintegration support
Donate Membership