Inside Mt Eden Prison in Auckland. Corrections Minister Phil Goff was at Mt Eden Prison to announce that work will start soon on a new prison to be built on the site and to take a tour.
A high security prisoner has gone on the run after being granted bail in order to attend a funeral.
A Corrections spokeswoman said the man was a remand prisoner at Mount Eden and had been granted bail in order to attend a funeral on Thursday.
She said the man failed to return to custody on Thursday.
"When the person failed to return to the prison at the stipulated time, staff at the prison notified Police," she said.
All remand prisoners have a high security classification, she said.
A police spokesperson said a warrant had been issued for the man's arrest.
Prisoners can also be granted temporary leave by prison directors in special circumstances and on a case by case basis- such as attending funerals or visiting sick relatives.
Prisoners on remand- who are yet to be sentenced or face trial- can apply for bail in such instances.
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