We have one of the highest rates of imprisonment in the Western world. 20,000 of our kids have a parent behind bars. What's it like when they're on the inside and you're on the outside? Tonight ` two brothers ` one behind bars, one determined to stay out. After seriously assaulting his girlfriend, youngest brother Danny is sent to prison again. Older brother Waiata has heard nothing from him since. In one month, 19-year-old Danny will be released. Will he be the same after nine months inside? And after an unexpected surprise, will he come home to the family at all? They released him from the prison this morning. at all? They released him from the prison this morning. Is he coming back tonight? We don't know. Captions by Imogen Staines. Edited by Hugo Snell. www.able.co.nz Captions were made possible with funding from NZ On Air. Copyright Able 2017 New Plymouth brothers Danny and Waiata have been abusing drugs and alcohol from an early age, and they've both spent time behind bars. Waiata, the eldest, is living with his girlfriend, Destiny, and her mother, Helen. Now 20, Waiata first got into trouble for stealing when he was just 17 and was sent to prison. His younger brother, Danny, would soon follow. Growing up, the boys started smoking marijuana and drinking in their early teens. For Danny, already a dad at 18, alcohol was becoming a massive problem. Drinking quickly led to fighting. Waiata witnessed many of Danny and his girlfriend's alcohol fuelled fights. INDISTINCT ARGUING The cops were called, and then my brother was taken. Yeah, and... The brothers are budding musicians, and ambitious, but drugs and alcohol are getting in the way. Before youngest, Danny, was sent back to prison, the brothers starred in a TV show. BOTH: (SOULFULLY) # My sweet temptation # is trying to take back over. RAPS: # Paranoia, you got me anxious... The programme was about beating addiction. # Bleeding out the reefer was lust and trust, but now I suddenly believe ya. I'm a bit of an alcoholic. In 2010, after the programme was made, Danny was charged with assaulting his girlfriend. He was sent to a drug-and-alcohol rehab course and ordered to stay away from her. But the teenagers continued to see each other. And they both continued to drink. <BLEEP> off. Leave me alone. They'd be together in town, like, drinking together. Arguments would happen again, and then the cops would see, and then he'd get sent to jail. Teenager Danny was arrested and summoned to court again. The last time I saw Danny was on the day he got sentenced. He, like, sort of climbed up over the barrier and gave me a hug and told me he loved me. I don't see it as following in my brother's footsteps. I see it as I made a mistake. For Waiata, Danny facing jail again after attempting to stay out of trouble was so distressing, it was tempting to follow him in. Heaps of the bros wanna come in because of the bros in here. They wanna look after them, and make sure they're all good. Waiata stayed out, but Danny was taken away, sentenced to nine months. ACOUSTIC GUITAR PLAYING Eight months have passed. SOULFULLY: # You're looking pretty tonight, girl. Waiata hasn't seen or heard anything from Danny since then, and he's worried. Not being sure about where he's at. Like, for me that's the hardest thing because I'm used to knowing, know what I mean? Knowing how he's feeling, or he knows how I'm feeling, and, I mean, like, we're the Healey brothers, like, really, like, you know? But, it's, like, Healey brother. While Danny's been inside, 20-year-old Waiata's trying to turn his life around. He's started studying, and he's determined to stay out of prison. Helping Waiata stay out of trouble is Helen, his girlfriend Destiny's mother. Helen is also known as Mumzie. Danny has spent time with Helen too. The brothers are two of many she's taken in over the years. We picked up a lot of kids. A lot of kids heard about us. That, you know, we just had an open home policy on kids and that, and they just came and stayed. And one time, we had about, hmm, 23. I counted 23 in the house. It was about these kids, and giving them somewhere to stay, and, you know, making sure they're safe and warm and fed and all that. We called ourselves 'Family Ever After' because it was another family that, you know, it was` Even though they had their own. But a lot of these kids were dislodged from that. Helen has strong feelings about jail from her own family's past, and she's hoping Danny will return to them on his release in a month's time. I've seen my brothers go to jail, left, right and centre, most of my life. I used to go up to Mount Eden Jail, and visit with them, and stuff like that, and... You know, and it's heart-wrenching. It's heart-wrenching. It's not something that you want your kids to go through. I mean, I class him as my son, you know? And it just breaks your heart. ACOUSTIC GUITAR PLAYING It's now three weeks till Danny's released. This morning, Waiata's busking at his favourite spot, and the local fanbase is growing. The place that I normally busk is down here, and it's` I like it cos it's got a bit of echo and I can hear myself better. SOULFULLY: # Little brother, I heard that you're inside. I wanted go down... Waiata writes songs about Danny being in prison. He also writes music about his own experience in jail. As a teenager, Waiata started getting in trouble with police. He was stealing from local businesses, and one day it caught up with him. At 17, he was sent to prison. When you go to jail, there's this thing they call 'At Risk'. Like, if you're 17, you go to 'At Risk'. They chuck you in this room, and it's got no corners. It's all padded. For very young or new prisoners, inmates deemed to be suicidal or likely to hurt themselves, observation cells are used, with surveillance cameras and prison staff checking up on them every 15 minutes. You have to take all your clothes off and wear this nightie. And, like, you don't even get to turn off the light. There's, like, this blue light that's on 24-7. It's sort of for people that feel at risk, but, like, if you're not at risk, it can make you at risk. Because of his own criminal convictions, Waiata has found it difficult to visit Danny behind bars. For prison families, this can be a challenge. The right to visit a family member is not guaranteed. Visitors without the right information can be turned away, and if visitors do not allow themselves or their vehicle to be searched or pass through a metal detector, they'll be turned down. Not able to visit Danny in person, Waiata's tried writing letters, but Danny's not written back. I wrote this song for Danny. When I lost my brother to jail, everyone was like, 'Oh, he'll be all good.' You know? Like, 'He'll be fine, blah, blah, blah.' But I've been to jail, you know what I mean? Like, these people have never been to jail at all, and are telling me, like, 'No, he's gonna be fine. He's sweet as.' And it's like, 'I've been in there before, and you don't know, and it's not sweet as.' My chorus is like, 'Look in my eyes and say tomorrow will be a better day.' # Tomorrow shall bring a brighter day. For I know, I know the truth. And that's why I'm singing to you. # Oh, hey. Thank` Oh, thank you very much. Pretty good start... (LAUGHS) Oh, I got a free apricot and peach pie. (LAUGHS) In a week's time, Waiata's turning 21, but with still no news from Danny behind bars, Waiata's worried that something's gone wrong. Mum? something's gone wrong. Musical brothers Danny and Waiata have been been in prison as teenagers. Waiata's about to turn 21, and is trying to change his life. But 19-year-old Danny is struggling with alcohol and drugs. Nine months ago, he was sent to prison for seriously assaulting his girlfriend. And in three weeks, Danny'll be released. Waiata's living with his girlfriend, Destiny, and her mother, Helen, or Mumzie. He's hoping Danny will be returning home to them. RAPS: # I'm aware of the things that I might have to face. Waiata's made a makeshift recording studio in the garage. His songs are often about jail. He's had a chequered past, and was sent to prison for stealing at just 17. For very young prisoners, the likelihood of returning to prison is very high, With 71% of all teenage prisoners back in jail within two years. Waiata's managed to stay out. But because he has a criminal conviction, he says he's found it difficult to visit his brother in person. He's my brother,... (LAUGHS) and I wasn't allowed to visit him, because I've got prior history and I've been to the prison before. # Been a while since I last seen your face. Tryna pick up the pieces and try and make it all erase. # It's now the day before Waiata's 21st birthday party, and less than three weeks until Danny's release. Waiata's getting in some last minute revision. He's started studying for a certificate in psychology. The course is a certificate in mental-health support work, especially to do with Maori people, cos I feel a lot of Maori people fall victim to mental illness because of a spiritual imbalance. I'm a big believer in more holistic ways of treatment. Drugs can cause people to fall victim to mental illness. But, um, like, I see it more from a spiritual sense. REFLECTIVE MUSIC It's the morning of Waiata's 21st, and the family have gathered at the marae in Taranaki. The family have put down a hangi, and there's a big crowd expected tonight. My mum that brought me up ` she's here. My real mum ` she's here. Waiata's mother gave birth to him when she was a teenager, and both he and Danny were raised by other relatives. My mum that brought me up is Lorraine, and my mum that gave birth to me is Rebecca. Mumzie ` yeah, she's sort of been my mum for the past four years. But the one constant in Waiata's life, and closest family member, is missing. That's my brother, Danny. We grew up together tight as, you know? I think when you get older, you realise that you love your siblings, so, like, I guess we both realised and matured enough to, like, realise that we loved each other and we had this relationship. Waiata expected Danny to get in touch for his birthday. While in prison, many inmates are recruited into gangs. For some prisoners, they can offer a guaranteed support system on the inside. This association often continues in the outside world. For prison families, how an inmate acts on release can be just as challenging as when they're sentenced. WOMAN SINGS KARANGA as when they're sentenced. WOMAN SINGS KARANGA It's all happening. KARANGA CONTINUES Oh, it was guttering cos I knew that Danny wouldn't be there. He would've enjoyed tonight. But there are many other people keen to celebrate, including some of the women who looked after Waiata and Danny growing up. Those of you who don't know me, I'm one of Waiata's mums. LAUGHTER He's very lucky. He's got three mums. I'm the one that helped grow him as best I could before he decided to go and do what he wanted to do. LAUGHTER Oh it's, uh` It's cos it was raining outside. LAUGHTER Kia ora. I'm Waiata's birth mother. LAUGHTER He's got a few ` Mummy Lor, Mummy Helen,... Mummy Lor, Mummy Helen,... LAUGHTER ...and we all love him. MEN PERFORM HAKA APPLAUSE With the formalities over, Waiata's party can start. CHEERING (PLAYS GUITAR, SINGS SOULFULLY) # Why are they taking you away? You shouldn't feel that pain. You shouldn't feel that pain. # Two weeks have passed. It's now only one week until Danny's released from prison. Even though Waiata's heard nothing from his brother, he prepares a room for Danny to arrive home to. So, yeah. Somewhere to feel like he's got to go, you know? Even if he doesn't come here, at least, well, this is an option. No matter how down or how out you get, you know what I mean? Just remember you've got your family. You know what I mean? And we're always here. Just as Waiata is giving up all hope, a letter arrives from the prison. Older brother Waiata has heard nothing from him since. Waiata has just turned 21 and is trying to get his life on track. He's studying and has started making a name for himself locally through playing music and busking. But Waiata's 19-year-old brother, Danny, is getting known for all the wrong reasons. Still struggling with alcohol and drugs, Danny was sent to prison nine months ago for assaulting his girlfriend. Waiata's just received a letter from the prison. It's from Danny ` with news of his release. The letter I got from Danny... READS: 'Brother, chur, my bro. Sorry I haven't been able to get back to you sooner. 'This may surprise you, but I haven't written any raps since I got locked up. Sad, eh? 'But I've been working and studying a lot in forestry and horticulture. So, that's what I've been up to. 'How's things with you and Destiny? All good? I hope so.' (LAUGHS) 'My bro, I love you with all my heart, and I'm missing you heaps, and I'll be back soon, brother.' The letter's a huge relief for Waiata. Danny seems OK, and confirms he's still getting out in under a week. It's now only days till Danny's released from prison. This morning, Waiata's using his busking savings to record a song in a professional studio. This morning, Waiata's using his You wanna lay some vocals over it? in a professional studio. This morning, Waiata's using his You wanna lay some vocals over it? Yeah. Start from the top, and then just keep going along. > (PLAYS UPBEAT CHORDS) I feel that I've got a good message. Yeah. I wanna be heard more` more than anything, I just wanna be heard. # I thought I met you in the summertime, but you're wintertime cold. # # Cos I've been down this path before, and it's not easy, baby. It's hard. # It was pretty cool being able to, like, get into a real studio. What up, dog? Happy birthday. Can I have a turn, ow? Have you seen T? Leaving the studio, Waiata runs into friends he shared with Danny. They're all looking forward to his release. No one's heard from him since he went in. He's made different relationships, met different people. Like, he could be on a whole different path than what I knew` Could be better. Could be worse. Yeah. I'm anxious. On release from prison, inmates are given the clothes they came in wearing, the balance of any cash in their prison account, and, if they haven't organised to be picked up, transport or a bus ticket to the nearest town. In three days, the family are expecting Danny to step off the InterCity bus from Hastings. The big day has arrived. It's Danny's release date. Waiata and his girlfriend have decorated the house. By now, Danny will be on a bus from the prison to New Plymouth, due home at 4pm. Oh my missus and them ` they sort of just decorated the house for him because` You know, so he can feel more welcome. So, yeah. Tony made him a cake and got him a present. But there's a problem. Waiata's got a message to call Helen about Danny. Hello? to call Helen about Danny. Hello? Mum? Yeah. Mum? Yeah. What's happening with Danny? He rung me just before 8 this morning, and all he said was that they didn't give him a ticket. See, I don't even know whether he's still in Hastings, or whether he's on the bus or whatever. They didn't give my brother a bus ticket when he got released, to come back home. So he's not coming back today. Waiata calls his birth mother, Rebecca, in Hastings, to see if she's heard anything. Mum, they released Danny today, but they didn't give him a bus ticket back to New Plymouth. Mum, they released Danny today, but So, where is he? back to New Plymouth. Mum, they released Danny today, but So, where is he? He's somewhere in Hastings. Mum, they released Danny today, but Do you`? Do you know this for sure? He's somewhere in Hastings. Mum, they released Danny today, but Do you`? Do you know this for sure? Yeah. This is for sure. OK. Can you get in touch with Danny? No. We don't know` He's got no number or nothing. He just got released this morning. You should give me a text if you see him. released this morning. You should give me a text if you see him. I will, son. (LAUGHS) OK. I love you. OK. See you later. (LAUGHS) OK. I love you. OK. See you later. Bye. It's now late afternoon, and still no word from Danny. No one knows where he is. After high hopes, the family are devastated. It's just guttering that he's not home today. Yeah. Just hoping that he's safe for today and tonight, and he's got somewhere to stay. Hmm. But, just when Waiata had given up all hope, Danny arrives home. Oh, heaps, bro. up all hope, Danny arrives home. Oh, heaps, bro. Straight up. There was a white van that pulled into our driveway, and then Danny got out of the van, and we just went, 'Ahhh! Danny's home!' So cool. So cool to see him. Holy shit. I can't even remember half of this. Nah. This is from the last nine months. Well, most of it. Cole? nine months. Well, most of it. Cole? He was at my birthday. But I said this morning I had a feeling. I go, 'Nah. He'll turn up.' Said I had a feeling he'll turn up. Because I'd turn up. That's how I know. They didn't give me a bus ticket. They just dropped me off in the middle of town. Thinking now, you know, on to it. But they kind of thought it was my` my job to suss out my way home. Is that what they said? But they kind of thought it was my` my job to suss out my way home. Is that what they said? Yeah. They go, 'Didn't you suss a ride home?' I said, 'Nah.' Nah. You guys brought me here. (LAUGHS) Danny's reluctant to talk much about his time behind bars. < She looks like you, brother. about his time behind bars. < She looks like you, brother. (LAUGHS) I've had good luck all day. All day. BOTH: # You can't take it no more. He's spent, you know, almost a year in there now. It's probably given him a lot of time to think about actions he's done. It's probably given him a lot of time to grow up a bit and probably think about being a better father. HARMONIOUS SINGING Captions by Imogen Staines. Edited by Hugo Snell. www.able.co.nz Captions were made possible with funding from NZ On Air. Copyright Able 2017