An image of a prison inmate in a high-vis jumper probably isn't what you think of when you hear the word 'conservation.'
But behind the gates of Tongariro Prison in Turangi that is precisely what you will see.
Paihere, as they're known there, working in an ever-expanding nursery, growing more than 40,000 trees a years.
Thousands of those end up being planted along the banks of the Waiotaka River, on land owned by the hapū Ngāti Rongomai.
It's part of a land restoration project between, Ngāti Rongomai, Corrections and the conservation group Project Tongariro.
One of the men spoke to reporter Katie Doyle about the work.
