28 Jan 2021

Inmate charged over Waikeria prison riot

11:59 am on 28 January 2021

A 24-year-old man has been charged over the Waikeria prison riot which took place over the New Year period.

Waikeria prison

Waikeria prison. Photo: RNZ / Dan Cook

The protest, at one point involving nearly 20 men, lasted nearly a week, with significant damage done to the prison.

Over the six days a number of fires were lit and the older prison building is likely to be unsalvageable.

More than 200 other inmates were relocated to other prisons around the country as a result.

A man charged with arson and riot-related offences will make an initial appearance this afternoon in Auckland District Court.

Further charges against other individuals are currently being processed.