Prisoners Aid and Reintegration Society of Canterbury - PARS Canterbury

13/05/2026

From Auckland University - Comment: If community safety is the goal, as the Govt suggests, then housing for those leaving prison must be treated as a fundamental part of the solution.

24/02/2026

Looking forward to seeing any whanau with a loved one in prison at our place tonight to co-create what a support group might look like in the PARS space. 5.30pm @ PARS office 1/2 Horner Street, Papanui 🙂 we have snacks!

12/02/2026

We have a date and time set to come and co-create what we want in a Whanau support group!!!!! Come along for a kai and korero so we can hear what matters most to you. You may have a loved one in prison or be supporting them on their reintegration journey. Both have their challenges, connect with others and Lyn and Kim from PARS to begin this journey together.
Where - PARS, 1/2 Horner Street
When - Wednesday 25th 5.30pm - 7pm
RSVP - [email protected]

06/02/2026

Looking for a meaningful way to give back and fill your day?

Te Tahi Youth is seeking friendly and reliable volunteers to support front of house reception at our satellite clinic located within The Youth Hub.

Te Tahi Youth provides free clinical, mental health, and wellbeing support to young people aged 10–24 in Ōtautahi. Front of house volunteers play an important role in creating a calm, welcoming environment for rangatahi and their whānau.

What you’ll do:
Welcome clients as they arrive for appointments
Check clients in using a simple system
Maintain a calm, safe, and welcoming waiting area
Direct clients to the appropriate staff for support

What you won’t be doing:
No phone work
No administrative duties
Very minimal computer use (check-in only)

Why volunteer with us:
Make a genuine difference in the lives of young people
Gain practical experience in a clinical environment
Meet new people and be part of a supportive team
Receive a reference after 12 shifts and recognition for longer-term commitment

Shifts & commitment:
Tuesday - Friday, 8.30am–12.30pm or 12.30pm–4.30pm
Minimum commitment of 3 shifts per month.

Requirements:
Friendly, approachable, and comfortable engaging with youth
Completion of training and police vetting

Note: There is no on-site parking at the Youth Hub.

To apply or for more information:
Request a full role description, or contact Benji at [email protected]

06/02/2026

27/01/2026

Hāngī Fundraiser: Cancer Society Longest Day!

We are back once again for our annual Hāngī Fundraiser, raising funds in support of the Cancer Society and The Longest Day challenge.

Read about the longest day here: https://longestday.org.nz/

Hāngī Details:
Date: Thursday 29th Jan
Time: Ready from 12:00pm (pick up til 5pm)
Cost: $20 per hāngī

Each pack contains 3 meats + 4 vege + stuffing..

Every hāngī purchase includes one free attempt at our Hole in One Challenge, with the chance to win a Pak’nSave voucher. The challenge features a clear green, a very advanced (and possibly dangerous) putter, a few distractions, and a totally achievable distance. Extra shots are available for $3 each or two for $5.

Come for the kai, stay for the challenge, and support a cause that matters.

Click here to order: https://events.humanitix.com/hangi-fundraiser-for-the-cancer-society

27/01/2026

Hey ya'll we are on track for starting our "loved one in prison/in the system" support group in a couple of weeks. We are looking at a Kai and Korero approach for the first couple of weeks to have a yarn about what best suits you...our people. Looking at 5.30pm - 7pm to start.....Best nights peeps? Let us know and we will try and make it work for the majority. Looking forward to co-creating a group that works for us all, Lyn & Kim

10/01/2026

Happy New Year, let's hope its a year filled with hope for you and your whanau, change in the system and more opportunities and possibilities for loved ones in prison.
PARS Canterbury are excited to begin 2 new support groups this year...
One to support whanau who have a loved one in prison...a space without stigma you can share with others who understand, learn and grow together.
Another to support you men who are on a reintegration journey...we dont mind if you have been out of prison 10 days or 10 years. The struggle to stay on the pro social/no offending journey is real.
If you are interested in coming along to either please let me know @ [email protected] or leave me a message here.
Both groups will be facilitated by humans who have a wealth of knowledge and a lived experience of "the system".
YAY!!!!