The Frameworks - the Construction of Mount Eden Prison
“For the evils of one exist in all and the whole system requires modification and the present wooden sheds doing duty as prisons cannot too soon be supplanted by properly constructed buildings.” - New Zealand Herald, 18 June 1864 Situated between a major modern highway and the ancient slopes of Mangawhau, Mount Eden Prison has become a stable fixture in Auckland’s landscape. For over 150 years, Mount Eden Prison has housed some of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most infamous criminals, seen daring escapes, hangings, riots and strikes. Mount Eden Prison continues to fascinate for its secrecy, intrigue, and enduring nature in Tāmaki Makaurau’s history. But unknown to most is its close ties to prison reform and the rich history this prison can tell us about the movement to improve the treatment of those deemed to be least worthy of society’s care. Hidden behind unforgiving conditions, hard labour, and punitive measures, is a history filled with a desire for change and reform motivated by humanis