The protests have left the prison in an "unusable" state.

The top jail at Waikeria Prison is now being treated as a crime scene.

Waikeria's jail unrest was prolonged, but resolved peacefully - unlike some past riots.

'They could literally see the whole prison burning around them.'

Ombudsman's August 2020 report found some conditions failed to meet minimum UN standards.

"We know that there are tensions between members of the group."

The human rights group is calling on minister to ensure force isn't used to end standoff.

More than 1000 lightning strikes have been recorded across the North Island.

The South braces for a long night as rain and thunderstorms sweep across the country.

'They're going out in body bags': Relatives say inmates will not give up.

Several fire and emergency vehicles arrived at the facility this morning.

Prisoners at the Waikeria Prison have been on the roof since Tuesday.

Corrections says the rioting inmates intend to use makeshift weapons on prison staff.

'We will sit here for as long as it takes, we would die for this cause,' inmate says.

The Māori Party says top-level intervention is needed at Waikeria Prison.

Rioting or protesting? Document ostensibly shows inmate claims about filthy conditions.

Police were notified of the fire shortly before 2pm and on the scene on the Waikato River.

Rioting inmate called his partner to apologise, and to tell her he was safe but scared.

It's thought a lack of access to phones for prisoners could be the cause of the rioting.

Will you all live in a yellow submarine?

Conditions at the prison have taken a toll on inmates' mental health, a source says.

Waikeria prisoners and guards have been in a stand-off for nearly 24 hours.

Inmates remain in a fiery stand-off with prison authorities.

Offenders allegedly used toilet doors as weapons against staff.

Waikeria Prison is located off State Highway 3, south of Te Awamutu in the Waikato.