Lockdown at Ngawha Prison as inmate climbs on roof

Inside Northland Regional Correction Facility, better known as Ngawha Prison. Photo / File

Ngawha Prison was locked down when a prisoner unhappy about being transferred to another jail climbed on to the roof of a prison building.

The incident occurred early on Wednesday morning with the prison returning to normal operations by 11am.

Michael Rongo, the acting director of Northland Region Corrections Facility, said prisoners were unlocked later than usual after a prisoner who had been unlocked early for transfer to another prison climbed on to the roof of a prison building.

He got on to the roof before general unlock and came down voluntarily a short time later.

The incident occurred within the secure perimeter of the prison so there was no risk of him escaping or any threat to public safety.

''Our staff are well-trained to manage incidents like this,'' Mr Rongo said.

No one was injured in the incident.

Consequences for the prisoner could include internal disciplinary charges. The prison would hold a review into the events surrounding the incident.