One person is assisting police with their inquiries.
”Police remain at the site, and we will be working with the Department of Corrections as part of our investigation,” Adkin said.
Multiple sources have told the Herald there had been a stabbing in the prison kitchen.
A Serco spokesperson told the Herald a prisoner assaulted two other prisoners while working in the kitchen area.
“Sadly, one of the men who was assaulted has died. The police have notified his next of kin. A second prisoner remains in hospital being treated for non-life threatening injuries.
“The perpetrator has been secured, segregated, and will be transferred to another prison.”
Police were now at the prison and were actively investigating.
“Serco will ensure that all evidence, including CCTV footage, is provided to police.
“All deaths in custody are referred to the coroner for investigation and determination of cause of death.”
Serco would also carry out a review.
“Staff and other prisoners are being provided with support. Assaults in prison are illegal, unacceptable and we do not tolerate them. Any perpetrators should expect to face criminal charges as well as prison disciplinary processes. All incidents are reported to the police. We will co-operate fully with all investigations into this incident.”
Corrections National Commissioner Leigh Marsh said Corrections was informed shortly after midday that an inmate had died after being assaulted by another prisoner.
A second prisoner is also receiving hospital treatment for non-life threatening injuries.
Corrections says prisons can be ‘volatile environments’, but violence will not be tolerated
Marsh said Auckland South Corrections Facility was privately operated by Serco.
“Following the incident, our Regional Commissioner has received regular updates from ASCF’s Prison Director. The site is operating calmly, with support being provided to staff and prisoners impacted by this incident.”
March said assaults in any prison would not be tolerated and prisoners who resorted to violence would be held to account.
Alongside the police investigation, Serco was conducting a review into today’s death. Corrections expected to be provided with a copy of that review and for Serco to act promptly on any recommendations.
All deaths in custody were referred to the Coroner for investigation and determination of cause of death. An investigation by the independent Corrections Inspectorate would also be carried out.
“Prisons can be extremely volatile environments and many prisoners behave unpredictably and act without warning. Serious incidents like this in prison are extremely rare, but we know they have a significant impact on staff as well as other prisoners on site.
“Serco has confirmed to us that both staff and prisoners at Auckland South Corrections Facility are being provided support. Our thoughts are with everyone affected by today’s death.”
Earlier, Corrections Association president Floyd du Plessis told the Herald the prison had been placed in lockdown so “no one can get in or out” and there had been no communication,
He said he was aware “numerous” police officers were on the scene.
The prison, which can hold up to 960 men, is operated by private company Serco under an agreement with the Department of Corrections.
Corrections Minister Mark Mitchell acknowledged family and friends of the dead prisoner and the family of the other prisoner who was stabbed.
He thanked prison and medical staff who provided first aid.
Police remained at the prison and would work with Corrections as part of their investigation, Mitchell said.
“All deaths in custody are reviewed by the Corrections Office of the Inspectorate and referred to the Coroner.
“Serco will also carry out a review into this incident and I will be watching the progress closely.
“As incoming minister, I made it clear to Corrections that I expect prisons to be made safer for both staff and prisoners as there has been an unacceptably high number of assaults in prisons in recent years.”
