A six-day prison riot at Waikeria destroyed a cell block and ended after Māori Party co-leader Rawiri Waititi negotiated the surrender of sixteen inmates.
Key Facts
- Duration
- 29 December 2020 – 3 January 2021
- Prisoners involved
- At least 21 male prisoners
- Prisoners surrendered
- 16
- Charged with rioting
- 17 prisoners
- Structure destroyed
- Cell block known as the 'Top Jail'
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
At least twenty-one male prisoners at Waikeria Prison, dissatisfied with alleged poor living conditions, initiated a protest that escalated into a riot beginning 29 December 2020. The inmates lit fires and broke out of cell buildings in demonstration of their grievances.
Over six days, rioting prisoners destroyed the cell block known as the 'Top Jail' at Waikeria Prison. The standoff ended on 3 January 2021 when Māori Party co-leader Rawiri Waititi negotiated with prison authorities and personally escorted the remaining sixteen prisoners to surrender at midday.
Seventeen prisoners were jointly charged with rioting, burglary using a weapon, and wilfully setting fire to property and endangering life. By April 2021, all seventeen had pleaded not guilty and elected trial by jury, remaining remanded in custody until at least early May 2021.
Political Outcome
Riot ended after negotiation; 17 prisoners charged with rioting and related offences; all pleaded not guilty and elected trial by jury.