The issue of transgender people in New Zealand prisons will be highlighted this Friday for the International Day of Trans Prisoner Solidarity.

The group 'No Pride in Prisons' has organised events in Auckland, Wellington and Dunedin to advocate for the rights of trans prisoners including the right to move to the gendered prison of their choice.

Spokeswoman Emilie Rākete said mass-overcrowding is putting prisoners at risk, especially trans prisoners.

She described New Zealand prisons as having "reached a crisis point."