A high-security complex at Waikeria was wrecked in the unrest. Photo / Brett Phibbs
An inmate accused of instigating a fiery uprising at Waikeria prison has been charged.
Seventeen men are accused of deliberately starting the fire that extensively damaged the Waikato jail.
The charge carries a maximum 14-year jail term.
The riot consumed the prison's high-security complex from December 29 to January 3.
Taimana Soames, 25, appeared in Auckland District Court this afternoon.
Soames was charged with being a member of a riot and unlawfully damaging prison property.
He was also accused of being in a group jointly using violence. That charge carries a two-year maximum jail term.
Soames and other alleged rioters were also charged with entering part of the jail facility illegally and using a steel pole, wooden seat and "specialised breaching tool" as weapons.
Community Magistrate Lavinia Nathan described that charge as "aggravated burglary".
He faced a fourth charge, along with other alleged rioters, of deliberately starting the fire.
Bail was declined.
Soames entered no pleas and was remanded in custody to February 5.
He will then appear in Hamilton District Court.
The riot over the New Year holidays was the biggest in New Zealand for decades.
The destruction of Waikeria's high-security complex required more than 200 inmates to be moved to other prisons.
On January 3, the unruly prisoners surrendered and received food, water and access to medical staff.
At least one of the accused men is due to appear in Auckland District Court later today.
It's understood the other accused men will appear in Hamilton District Court next week.
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