Smoke can still be seen rising from Waikeria Prison on Wednesday morning after prisoners started a second large inferno on Tuesday night, setting mattresses alight.
Nearly 50 inmates were evacuated to a different part of the building on Tuesday night following hours of rioting, and flames lit up the night sky just before midnight as the standoff between prisoners and authorities escalated. The situation evolved after prisoners earlier set fires in an exercise area and damaged property at the prison near Te Awamutu, Waikato.
Corrections said on Wednesday morning four inmates have since surrendered to prison staff with 16 continuing to be non-compliant. In a statement, the department said damage to the facility where prisoners are held appears to be significant and it's unlikely they can be accommodated there again.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand, police, and St John remain at the scene and the prison remains under a tight lockdown.
"Nineteen prisoners have been sighted on the roof of the building. This includes those who were involved in lighting fires in a yard earlier today, along with several others who were able to get out of their cells with assistance," a Corrections spokesperson said in an update about 10:30pm on Tuesday.
"The prisoners have been able to access some parts of the building by breaching the roof space, however their movement inside the building is restricted by internal gates, barriers, and secured doors," the spokesperson added.
It's understood some prisoners suffered smoke inhalation. One inmate told Newshub on Tuesday the prisoners were protesting against alleged mistreatment inside the facility.
"We just want basic human rights," the inmate said. "Treat us like animals and we'll act like animals."
Corrections said on Tuesday night there was a large amount of smoke around the building due to prisoners setting mattresses alight. Footage seen by Newshub shows flames coming from the facility.
"While there is no imminent threat to safety, the decision has been made to evacuate 49 prisoners from one unit to elsewhere in the prison," the spokesperson said.
"This is an ongoing incident, and staff at the prison are focused on resolving it quickly and safely."
