The prison staff union leader says it's ludicrous to call six days of fiery destruction at Waikeria a "protest". Prisoner politicsWhitley said Corrections Minister Kelvin Davis should have voiced support for and trust in Corrections staff earlier. He said no Corrections staff expected Davis to interfere in daily operations but Davis should've publicly acknowledged staff before the stand-off ended. A fire lit during the Waikeria prison riot sent smoke billowing into the Waikato sky. The Waikeria prison site, about 45km south of Hamilton, will include a new facility due for completion next year.

Source: New Zealand Herald January 06, 2021 04:25 UTC