Inmate who died after Auckland Prison assault named

The body of a male prisoner was discovered at Auckland Prison at Pareremoremo. Photo / Paul Estcourt

The inmate who died in suspicious circumstances at Auckland Prison has been named as 23-year-old Tue Faavae.

Faavae was found dead inside a sector of the east wing of the prison about 11am on Sunday.

Detective Senior Sergeant Kim Libby, of North Shore CIB, said Faavae was serving time for aggravated robbery.

A post mortem examination has revealed Faavae died as a result of injuries sustained in a serious assault by other inmates.

North Shore police have launched a homicide inquiry which will begin by focusing on what happened in the east wing before the body was found.

A forensic examination was continuing at the prison and almost 20 police officers were involved.

Department of Corrections chief executive Barry Matthews said the department 's thoughts had gone out to his family at this time.

"We are taking this matter very seriously , and we are cooperating fully with the police investigation.

"As with any death in custody there will be a coroner's inquest, and the prison inspectorate and office of the ombudsmen will also investigate the death and the surrounding circumstances.

"As this matter is with the police, we are unable to comment further on specific details as we do not want to prejudice the police investigation.

"Corrections is required to give prisoners who are not on specific segregation orders time out of their cells. The minimum requirement is one hour per day. East Division holds 261 prisoners.

"It is simply not possible for each of these prisoners to be given the required time out of their cells one at a time," Mr Matthews said.

"I have asked that the prison inspectorate investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of Tue Faavae should report back to me on the extent to which the standards, procedures, operational systems and work practices for the proper management of Mr Faavae's sentence were in place and being complied with.

"I have also asked the inspectorate to take into account what changes to procedures and practices have been made in light of recent assaults in the high security area of Auckland Prison, and to determine what further improvements are necessary in order to improve staff and prisoner safety," Mr Matthews said.

Auckland Prison holds 681 male prisoners and contains New Zealand's only specialist maximum-security prison unit.

- NZPA