Wāhine Inside by Te Kāhui

He pānui: From 2022 to 2025, Te Kāhui worked with writers at Christchurch Women’s Prison, both through our remote booklets and in-person creative writing programmes on-site. Wāhine Inside is a sharp, stunning reminder of the power and fierceness of wāhine; the stories they weave throughout their lives and the passion and purpose through which expression builds connection. Guided by the Editorial Advisory of Deborah Smith and designed by Kaan Hiini, Wāhine Inside features powerful prose and poetry from 22 writers. The pukapuka was first launched at Christchurch Women’s Prison in December 2025, where several contributors read out their pieces. This anthology contains poems, stories, essays,lyrics, letters, recipes and illustrations. Some pieces contain tender details of treasured memories, while others articulate simple, powerful mantras in a fight for collective liberation. Whatever the subject or approach, we wish to honour these storytellers. Tō mātou kaupapa / Our Purpose: Te Kāhui is a dynamic kaupapa that equips storytellers with the skills, space and support to realise their creative voice. We achieve this by facilitating equitable and accessible tailored programming for rangatahi and wāhine in consultation with the communities they hold close, using poetry, spoken word, rap, prose, and other mediums. Editors: Sherry Zhang, Deborah Smith, Ruby Macomber, Eric Soakai & Phodiso Dintwe Design & Typesetting: Kaan Hiini Cover Art: Kaan Hiini Printed and bound in Aotearoa by 5ever books This book is made with support from Christchurch Women’s Prison and Creative New Zealand.