Hundreds more in prison since Christmas Eve

WELLINGTON: The prison population has surged by hundreds since Christmas, just as an entire highsecurity complex was destroyed in mayhem at Waikeria.

‘‘If the muster continues to increase, we’re going to have difficulty finding the right beds,’’ Corrections Association president Alan Whitley said yesterday.

The Department of Corrections said it was normal for the muster to rise at this time of year, for reasons including courts closing during summer holidays.

But from December 29 to January 3, Waikeria experienced the longest, most damaging New Zealand prison riot in decades.

A department spokesman said the prison population yesterday was 8739 — 351 more than on Christmas Eve.

The release of some eligible prisoners before the December 15 to January 5 holiday period also affected numbers.

The Parole Act gives Corrections discretion to free some eligible inmates in early December if prisoner statutory release dates fall within the holiday period.

A Waikeria complex with capacity for 251 prisoners was wrecked in the riot.

Police have yet to charge anyone in relation to the fires and disorder at the highsecurity complex.

Mr Whitley said it would not be surprising if a complex investigation occurred.

‘‘It’s clearly going to take a while to get the charges,’’ he said, but added that he was confident charges would eventually be laid.

‘‘Noone’s going to let it slip under the radar.’’

Prison reformist Sir Ta Kim Workman said an independent review of Waikeria and broader prison estate problems was needed.

‘‘It would be great to see an independent group do the work; probably a wellknown QC, probably someone who’s prominent in te ao Maori.’’

The review team should also include someone familiar with the criminal justice system, he said.

‘‘It requires courage in terms of political leadership, that courage to stand up like Andrew Little did at the beginning of his term as minister of justice and say: The system is stuffed, racism is inherent in the system.’’

Corrections Minister Kelvin Davis described the Waikeria chaos as an inexcusable riot involving mostly Mongol and Comanchero gang members.

Last Sunday, he said Corrections would review how the situation unfolded and escalated. — The New Zealand Herald