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Waikeria prison staff are in talks with nine inmates after multiple fires were lit in an apparent riot.
Fire crews were alerted to a fire in the prison around 2:10 p.m. Tuesday and remain at the scene.
About 20 inmates were in the exercise yard when the fire started.
Staff are negotiating with nine inmates who refuse to comply with instructions and are damaging property, Corrections said in a statement.
Christel Yardley / THINGS
Fire crews have been called to the Waikeria prison, northeast of Otorohanga (file photo).
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A police negotiation team arrived at the prison around 7:20 p.m. to support Corrections staff in their talks.
Earlier today, the prisoners lit several fires in the exercise yard they were in.
“We have comprehensive procedures for handling prisoner disorder events. Our advanced control and restraint teams with specialized capabilities are on standby to help if necessary, “read a statement from Corrections.
Tom Lee / Stuff
The Waikeria prison was closed Tuesday afternoon after a fire broke out in an exercise yard.
“Our top priority is to resolve the situation safely.
“The prison has been closed as a precaution. The incident is contained and there is no threat to the safety of the public. “
A member of the police media center staff said the police were informed of the fire and are in prison in a “monitoring and support” role.
Tom Lee / THINGS
A member of the New Zealand Fire and Emergency (Fenz) staff arrives at Waikeria Prison.
The Waikeria Prison is located northeast of Ōtorohanga.
