A father prepared to go to any lengths necessary to regain contact with his children (including enlisting the services of NZ’s Wizard), recently made a one-man Hikoi to Wellington to try and draw attention to his grievances. The latest development in the long campaign by Ben Easton has seen him jailed in Auckland for breaching a Domestic Protection Order.

Newstalk 1ZB carried two reports yesterday:

Prison refuses visit by Fathers’ Union

The Union of Fathers is appealing to be allowed to visit a prisoner they believe could be on a hunger strike.

Ben Easton is being held in Auckland Central Remand Prison after he was arrested for breaking a protection order.

The long-time campaigner told the Union of Fathers he would go on a hunger strike while in the cells.

Prison bosses say none of their inmates has missed more than three consecutive meals.

Union of Fathers spokesman Jim Bagnall says this may be the case, but officials are not letting anyone see Mr Easton.

He says supporters just want to visit him to make sure he is okay.

Hunger-striker to receive Union of fathers visit

A group of fathers will soon get their wish to visit a hunger-striking comrade in prison.

Ben Easton has been refusing to eat at Auckland Central Remand Prison after being arrested for breaching a protection order, and the Union of Fathers has been trying to see him, but was initially denied access.

Now a Corrections Department spokesperson says it generally takes up to three days to clear a visitor permit. there appears to have been an about-face at the prison: officials initially denied they had a hunger-striker inside.