Yoga in Prisons has been recognised at the 2025 Exercise New Zealand Awards.
Kia ora koutou,
We hope this newsletter finds you well. Thank you for standing with us as we bring yoga, calm, and resilience into prisons across Aotearoa.
Last year brought slow but steady progress towards our strategic goals. In June, our trustees met kanohi-ki-te-kanohi in Tāmaki Makaurau to review and refine our direction for the year ahead. Since then, we’ve resumed in-person classes at several sites, seen strong growth in our Correspondence Course, and begun exploring some exciting new partnerships, and we are working towards another in person hui in Tāmaki Makaurau later this year for anyone interested in this work.
We’re thrilled to share that Yoga in Prisons has been recognised at the 2025 Exercise New Zealand Awards.
Congratulations to all the winners — we’re honoured to stand alongside so many organisations and individuals supporting wellbeing and positive change across Aotearoa.
The formal citation, read out at the ceremony, stated:
“Since 2009, YEPT has taught hundreds of men and women in New Zealand prisons to practice yoga, through in-person classes, correspondence learning and bespoke videos, providing opportunities to restore physical, mental and spiritual health to people facing major life challenges and a legacy of shame and trauma.
This recognition reflects the commitment of our teachers, trustees, volunteers, and the courage of every participant who engages with yoga inside the wire. Thank you for being part of this kaupapa.
Pictured above: John Sinclair (YEPT Chair) and our YEPT Auckland teachers Stephanie Leighton, Rodolfo V and Anne Scott.
Programme Updates
Correspondence Course - Over 230 Participants
Our Correspondence Course continues to grow, with just over 230 active enrolments across 16 of the 18 prison sites.
Although progression still reflects the challenges participants face, we’re seeing real improvement - and their feedback remains consistently positive, heartfelt, and inspiring.
Te Rokihau - The Calm Breath
Our video series, Te Rokihau – The Calm Breath, continues to screen across many prison TV systems and is being warmly received. We are working to ensure it is available in all prisons and exploring options to share this resource more widely outside the wire.
In-Person Classes Resume
We are now delivering in-person classes in:
Paremoremo
Mt Eden
Hawkes Bay
Auckland South
Arohata
Christchurch Men’s Prison
Several of these prisons are open to additional classes or teachers, and others have expressed interest in starting new programmes - where teachers and funding are available.
Rebuilding a strong, supported community of prison-yoga teachers (similar to pre-Covid) is now well within reach.
Interested in teaching or supporting this mahi? We’d love to hear from you.
Partnerships on the Horizon
Last year brought encouraging discussions with organisations working both inside prisons and with people on release. These collaborations could extend continuity of care and broaden the impact of our programmes. We look forward to developing these partnerships further this year.
Funding Update
A recent grant from the Lotteries Board has provided much-needed breathing room for our operational costs.
However, the wider charitable funding environment remains challenging, with many donors pausing contributions or becoming more selective.
Your support - through donations, volunteering, or simply sharing our work - makes a meaningful difference.
Acknowledgements & Community Highlights
With heartfelt gratitude, we acknowledge:
Adhyatma — stepping into the Programme Coordinator role and guiding the Correspondence Course with dedication.
Heather — continuing her vital work as Finance Officer and contributing significantly to grant applications.
Rhia — who has generously volunteered her time and helped connect us with a key media contact interested in exploring our work further. While details aren’t public yet, her support has opened an exciting opportunity for the year ahead.
Rodolfo — our newest yoga teacher, whose “Month of Sundays” community classes are making a tangible difference. Every $10 class helped bring yoga mats and cork blocks into Auckland prisons, offering calm, focus, and dignity through yoga. Also for supporting new initiatives around regular teacher zooms, interviews and helping revisit revamping our T-shirt/Hoodie design for merchandise which will be available from a local supplier soon!
Thanks also to @wearyoga and @valkayogaco for helping us access mats and blocks at special rates and bringing this vision closer to reality.
Thank you all for your commitment, energy, and creativity.
Thank You
Thank you for standing with us as we bring yoga, mindfulness, and pathways to inner calm into prisons across Aotearoa.
Together, we are helping people cultivate resilience, self-awareness, and a sense of inner freedom - regardless of circumstance.
On behalf of the team ~ Adhyatma
