26 January 2024
C177209
Ti Lamusse
[FYI request #25408 email]
Tēnā koe Ti
Thank you for your email of 16 January 2023 to the Department of Corrections – Ara
Poutama Aotearoa (the Department), requesting a copy of reports conducted by and for the
Department of Corrections investigating the 2020 Waikeria Prison Riot. Your request has
been considered under the Official Information Act 1982 (OIA).
You requested:
Please provide me with al reports conducted by and for the Department of
Corrections investigating the Waikeria Prison riots of 2020-2021.
We have identified two reports that fal within scope of your request. The first is the Chief
Custodial Officer’s Operational Review into the riot which was completed in the months
fol owing the event. The second is the Report of the Independent Inquiry into the Waikeria
Prison Riot which was completed over a longer period of time.
We have decided to refuse your request under Section 6(c) of the OIA as releasing this
information is likely to prejudice the maintenance of the law, including the prevention,
investigation, and detection of offences, and the right to a fair trial. This is due to active
criminal proceedings in regard to the Waikeria Prison riot, and the content of these reports
covering evidence being presented in these proceedings. The remaining criminal trial is
currently set down for May 2024.
Once court proceedings have concluded and section 6(c) of the OIA no longer applies,
Corrections will consider the public release of the reports.
Please note that this response may be published on Corrections’ website. Typical y,
responses are published quarterly, or as otherwise determined. Your personal information
including name and contact details will be removed for publication.
NATIONAL OFFICE, WELLINGTON
Mayfair House, 44 – 52 The Terrace, Wellington, 6011, Private Box 1206, Wellington 6140,
Phone +64 4 460 3000
www.corrections.govt.nz
2
I trust the information provided is of assistance. I encourage you to raise any concerns
about this response with Corrections. Alternatively, you are advised of your right to also
raise any concerns with the Office of the Ombudsman. Contact details are: Office of the
Ombudsman, PO Box 10152, Wel ington 6143.
Ngā mihi
Nic Barkley
Manager Ministerial Services
People and Capability