"We are all on the same journey and working to change our lives."
Assistant prison director Susan Hamilton said the men had gotten into the spirit of the challenges.
"It was set up to encourage the men to feel pride in the unit they are in. It brings the men in each unit together in a positive way and encourages team work and communication."
Te Wero Whakataetae (the challenge) started late last year and has seen inmates take part in a cross-section of activities including designing and painting ply Christmas trees, poetry writing, recycling, and push-up challenges.
Semifinals are judged internally and several times external guests are invited in to judge the finalists and select the overall winner.
This month's judges, Cefyn Gauden and NZ Singing School chairwoman Helen Walker, said challenge was what music was all about, because it brought people together.
'"It is about the performance and capturing our imagination," Walker said.
Although many from the youth unit hadn't heard the song before, they performed it rangatahi style, with a rap.
The winning group receives a carved trophy and cake for their efforts.