06 May 2026
C212881
Scott Radvan (cybercourtnz)
[FYI request #34437 email]
Tēnā koe Scott
Thank you for your information request of 8 April 2026 to the Department of Corrections –
Ara Poutama Aotearoa, requesting information about a media blackout regarding incidents
at Rimutaka Prison. Your request has been considered under the Official Information Act
1982 (OIA).
Corrections ensures that all processes related to a person’s death in custody are carried out
professionally, with integrity and respect to all involved. Every death in custody is
investigated by the Office of the Inspectorate and the Coroner. Deaths in custody may also
be referred to New Zealand Police. Where a death in custody is an apparent suicide or is
otherwise suspicious, New Zealand Police make the decision on whether to investigate.
When a person dies in custody, the following processes are followed:
• Custodial and health staff manage the emergency response until emergency services
arrive.
• Prison nurses or paramedics verify that death has occurred.
• Prison General Managers inform the Police, the Coroner, and the Department of
Corrections’ National Office.
• Police notify the next of kin.
• The duty Coroner’s Office organises the removal of the body from the prison for a
post-mortem to be carried out if necessary.
• When the body is removed, prison staff secure the area where the person died.
• Police can refer families, whānau or friends to support services as required.
• Prison staff organise for a deceased person’s property to be passed to a nominated
contact.
• The cel where the person died is blessed by a Chaplain or Kaumatua.
• The Office of the Inspectorate investigates the death in custody.
• The Coroner conducts an inquiry and issues a final written finding.
You requested:
Please provide a full and detailed report covering the media blackout regarding a
series of incidents at Rimutaka Prison – multiple killings at Rimutaka
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
We can confirm that no media blackouts have occurred regarding any incidents at Rimutaka
Prison. Therefore, your request is refused under section 18(g) of the OIA, as the information
requested is not held by Corrections, and we have no grounds for believing that it is held by
another agency or more closely connected with the functions of another agency.
Corrections responds to all requests from the media in accordance with our obligations
under the OIA and the Privacy Act 2020. In addition, information relating to assaults and
deaths in prison are publicly reported on our website. You can find this information at the
following link:
https://www.corrections.govt.nz/resources/statistics
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.
I hope this information is helpful. I encourage you to raise any concerns about this response
with Corrections. Alternatively, you are advised of your right to raise any concerns with the
Office of the Ombudsman. Contact details are: Office of the Ombudsman, PO Box 10152,
Wel ington 6143.
Ngā mihi
Jeremy Lythgoe
Manager Government Services Official Correspondence
People and Capability
