Waikeria Prison Riot: 'Violent' inmates raid weapons room, fears staff may be attacked

Friday, 1 January 2021

Jeremy Lightfoot, chief executive of Corrections talks to the media about a riot at Waikeria Prison.

A riot at Waikeria Prison is escalating, with inmates constructing makeshift weapons and raiding an equipment room for armour and batons.

Ministry of Corrections incident controller Jeanette Burns believes “violent' prisoners are planning to attack staff.

'The prisoners have continued to cause extensive damage to the facility, including forcibly accessing restricted areas including a room used to store tactical equipment that includes power tools, shields, batons and body armour,” Burns said.

Prisoners can be seen on the roof of a unit at Waikeria Prison following riots which began on Tuesday.

'They have also constructed a number of makeshift weapons that we believe they are planning to use against staff, and accessed a medical dispensary where controlled drugs are stored.'

* Prisoner surrenders on day 3 of riot, as inmates call on MP for help

* Waikeria Prison: First images show devastated prison, inmates' rooftop camp

Burns said the buildings within the facility are significantly damaged, and she has concerns about their structural integrity.

Major structural damage to Waikeria Prison is seen, after a fire was lit by prisoners.

'In addition, we know that there are tensions between the prisoners themselves which are likely to result in violence, evidenced by the assault carried out on the man who surrendered last night.'

'We remain concerned that the men are putting themselves at significant risk by remaining where they are.'

The riot began on Tuesday after 17 inmates started several fires.

The inmates took control of the prison’s top jail on Tuesday afternoon, burning buildings and camping out on the roof of a unit.

Major structural damage to Waikeria Prison is seen from above, after a fire was lit by prisoners.

Photos taken from the air by Stuff showed prisoners in collapsible chairs while helmeted guards were seen carrying shields on the ground below.

An entire wing, at least 100 metres long, appeared destroyed with the roof a tangled web of debris.

The inside of the majority of the buildings in the facility were gutted and charred.

One member of the group surrendered on Thursday afternoon.

Māori Party co-leader Rawiri Waititi visited the prison in Ōtorohanga on Thursday night to speak with the 16 men who have taken over the prison in protest.

'They are clear that this is not a riot, it is a protest for their human rights for all inmates past and present,” he said.

Prominent activist Tame Iti was held in remand at Waikeria Prison several times between 1998 and 2010, and described the conditions as “not fit for a dog”.

“It’s a dungeon, a pit. I wouldn't even let my dogs in there,” Iti said.

“These things don't just happen. I think these men are trying to get their voices heard.”

Iti said he wants to visit the prison, and aid in negotiations.

But Burns said while the group state that they are protesting conditions at the prison and not rioting, their actions were clearly violent.

'We have been approached by others who believe that they can resolve the incident, which we have declined,” she said.

'This remains a highly volatile and dangerous situation, complicated by the damage to the facility and the access to weapons that the prisoners have.

“We are not prepared to compromise the safety of staff responding to the incident, and highly trained staff with specialist skills will continue to negotiate with the prisoners.'

Burns said water will be provided to the prisoners on their surrender, along with further access to kaumatua.