Who we are - ko wai tatou
The first Prisoners Aid and Rehabilitation Service (PARS) in Aotearoa New Zealand was established in Dunedin in the 1880s. This makes PARS one of the oldest social services in the country. With the exception of Manawatu PARS which operates in Palmerston North, Hawkes Bay and Wellington, all other PARS services in Aotearoa New Zealand are separate entities, although we all share similar missions and goals.
You can find a list of other PARS services here:
Warders guarding prisoners as they work on roads in Dunedin, with Jame Caldwell, the Goaler in the top hat - circa 1880
Manawatu PARS was established in Palmerston North in 1959. Having just celebrated over 65 years providing services to people in prison, on release, and their family/whanau, we have a wealth of experience in navigating services to help our clients live their best lives.
Our Palmerston North-based service offers crucial reintegration support to individuals returning to the community after prison, as well as information, guidance, and advocacy for people currently in prison and their families or whānau. We walk alongside those navigating the challenges of release, helping to create pathways toward stability and positive change.
The Manawatū service also has a proud and longstanding tradition of volunteer-led programmes within the local prison. These initiatives include Prison Visiting, which fosters vital social connection; Dads ‘n Books, which supports incarcerated fathers in maintaining meaningful bonds with their children through storytelling; and the Peace Education Programme, which encourages self-reflection, emotional resilience, and non-violent communication. Together, these programmes contribute to a more hopeful and constructive environment for all involved.
In 2019, Manawatu PARS recognised the need to extend its services to Hawke’s Bay and Wellington because both communities had prisons, but no PARS services to assist people coming out of prison.
In Hawke’s Bay, our service has evolved significantly—from humble beginnings as a small initiative offering basic social support, to a well-established service led by a full-time field worker and a dedicated group of volunteers. Today, we deliver comprehensive reintegration services and coordinate volunteer-led programmes that operate both within the prison environment and in the wider community, supporting individuals at every stage of their journey back into society.
In Wellington, our service continues to deliver vital reintegration support through a full-time field worker, assisting not only individuals transitioning from prison back into the community but also responding to the growing needs of people deported from overseas who are arriving in the region. Our work ensures that these individuals are not left behind, offering practical assistance, connection to services, and a sense of belonging during a challenging time of change.
To find out more about our deportee services, click on the button below