Waikeria Prison uprising: Inmates protesting about conditions, lack of supplies

By Te Aorewa Rolleston of RNZ

Sources at Waikeria Prison have told RNZ the remaining 17 prisoners involved in a roof-top standoff are protesting about dilapidated conditions, cramped cells and a lack of basic supplies.

One source said there were still men atop the roof at the old part of the prison known as the top jail.

They said the men are making a stand against the conditions they say have been experienced at Waikeria over the last year.

“Our water comes out brown, but we still have to drink it,” a prisoner communicated to RNZ.

A source claims there is a lack of basic supplies, and health and well-being treatment, at the prison and it has taken a toll on prisoners’ mental health.

“We sit and eat in the same room we sleep in, we get towel and clothes changes once a week, clothes that don’t even fit.

“We don’t get blanket changes, we don’t get blanket washes, I’ve been in here a month and I haven’t had one, my uncle’s been in here six months and he hasn’t had a blanket/sheet change.

“The only time they ever want to move us is when they are going to lock us in a cell or take us to the yards.”

For those inside Waikeria, the conditions had become too much, the source said.

Negotiations have been ongoing and the source said those still remaining had asked for water and were told to come down from the building one at a time.

The source said the men did not want to surrender at gunpoint and had expressed wanting a peaceful outcome.

The individuals – according to sources – are instead asking that political leaders and some media organisations intervene and help mediate the evolving situation.

Department of Corrections chief executive Jeremy Lightfoot speaks to media on Wednesday. Photo / Michael Craig

‘There is no programme’

One prisoner communicated to RNZ about how there had been continuous systemic abuse within the justice system.

“We hear about this Hōkai Rangi strategy but we don’t see it. There is no programme. There is no rehabilitation. It’s lock us up, put you in a yard full of gang members and then let you out. And they expect us to change.”

Whānau have also spoken out about why some had reached breaking point.

A partner of one of those incarcerated said after receiving an alarming call late on Tuesday night she learnt that those inside Waikeria were “quite afraid” despite the evacuations.

The family said “everything was burning except for the concrete”.

A police vehicle outside Waikeria Prison on Wednesday. Photo / Michael Craig

The family said their relatives inside Waikeria had told them sometimes they waited for up to four days for toilet paper and restrictions around confinement had meant inmates had spent up to 23 hours per day in a cage-like cell known as “the hole” with limited natural light.

One source said inmates were double-bunking as well as sharing a toilet within the same cell where they ate and slept.

A family member said those involved in the standoff were unarmed.

Fears armed offenders squad is on standby

She was particularly worried about the well-being of her partner, who is a father, and also the other 16 who were still non-compliant, after hearing that the armed offenders squad was reportedly “getting ready to roll in”.

The family said the mental well-being and health of those inside has been deteriorating due to the strict conditions and the ageing facilities, which had already been criticised and parts of the complex deemed “no longer fit for purpose” after a report by the Office of the Ombudsman.

Corrections unaware of complaints

Corrections, in a statement, said the department was not aware of any complaints relating to prisoners not having access to basic toiletry items such as toilet paper, and “we would be concerned if that was the case”.

A spokesperson said: “All prisoners are entitled to receive a standard of health care reasonably equivalent to that found in the community.

“Medical Officers working in prisons assess prisoners to determine whether primary, secondary or tertiary level intervention or treatment is appropriate. Primary health care is delivered by Corrections, and includes services such as general practice, prescriptions, and nursing services. Primary mental health care is also included.

“Corrections is responsible for ensuring the secure and safe operation of our facilities at all times.

“National policy is that all units must operate an unlock regime that reflects the working and rehabilitation activities of the unit. Unlock hours vary between different units within a prison and each prison site, and can be reflective of an individual prisoner’s management plan. They are also subject to change in order to meet operational requirements.”

The spokesperson said prisoners may be denied association with other inmates if their behaviour presented a risk to the security of the prison, the safety of others, or themselves.

Earlier today the Corrections Department said there had been significant damage done to the top jail and it was unlikely inmates would be housed there again.

– RNZ