A prisoner, who was so badly beaten he sustained serious brain injuries, is taking Serco to court in a private prosecution - the first of its kind in New Zealand.

The Prime Minister says there will be serious consequences for Serco if they are found to not be meeting obligations at Mt Eden Correctional Facility.

A former Mt Eden inmate reveals tobacco and drugs are regularly available, and shows David Fisher how they are smuggled in.

Corrections Minister Sam Lotu-Iiga denies the takeover indicates a loss of confidence in operator.

Minister says Government team is stepping in to run Mt Eden prison, after private firm rocked by allegations of violence.

Corrections Minister Sam Lotu-Iiga was under renewed pressure last night after a fresh case of violence was reported from the Serco-run Mt Eden Correctional Facility.

The Corrections Minister's statements are all well and good but the seriousness of prison claims requires a harder line, writes Toby Manhire.

Faced with a growing backlog in the already overloaded justice system, a frustrated judge has criticised Serco's Mt Eden prison for not doing its job.

The inmate whose death is at the centre of a prison violence scandal is the grandson of a National Party stalwart who died just weeks later.

Under-fire Corrections Minister Sam Lotu-Iiga has hauled in prison operator Serco for an urgent meeting today.

Embattled Corrections Minister Sam Lotu-Iiga is defending his handling of the controversial death of a prisoner at a privately-run prison.

Labour MP Kelvin Davis says the Corrections Minister has lost control of his department.

“This behaviour of prisoners is unacceptable," said Corrections Minister Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga.

The Corrections Minister has announced a "robust and thorough" review over footage of inmates engaging in banned behaviour in New Zealand prisons.

New wearable cameras and stab-resistant body armour will be introduced for prison guards, the Corrections Minister announced today.

Two teenagers accused of the murder of a man in an Auckland motel have appeared in the High Court.

A Government inquiry into the escape of convicted murderer and paedophile Phillip John Smith has been extended.

Convicted double murderer Scott Watson has won a court battle which could allow him to meet a journalist behind bars and break his 17-year silence.

After a full day hearing, a judge has reserved her decision as to whether convicted double murderer Scott Watson can meet a journalist.

Convicted double murderer Scott Watson says after 17 years of silence he now wants the opportunity to speak about his perceived miscarriage of justice.

Auckland Prison has apologised to its neighbours at Paremoremo for an overflowing sewer that has caused a stench sporadically for years.

Labour have condemned the restructuring of the corrections system which will see almost 200 jobs cut.

Cells in all New Zealand jails may soon be fitted out with phones and computers in a bid to boost prisoners' educational levels.

Scott Watson will return to court this month to fight a move by Corrections to block a behind-bars meeting with an investigative journalist.

All frontline Corrections officers are to get new lightweight stab-resistant body armour, in a move that comes after the death of an inmate at Christchurch Men's Prison.

In the decision, Smith was described as a “manipulative, serious criminal with a high risk of reoffending”.

The Samoa-born and Mangere-raised MP Sam Lotu-Iiga has been thrown a $1.5 billion, 4000-staff portfolio as the new Corrections Minister.

Prison beatings happen in New Zealand almost daily and only "good luck" stands in the way of more deaths.