Family seek answers after son's prison death

Junior Togatuki was in solitary confinement at Goulburn's Supermax prison. Photo / Getty Images

A young Kiwi has died in Australia's Supermax prison after pleading with immigration authorities not to deport him back to New Zealand.

The Sydney Morning Herald reports that Junior Togatuki, 23, died after writing farewell messages to his family.

Authorities in Australia say he killed himself.

Togatuki's Australian visa was revoked and after his prison release date passed he was kept in solitary confinement in Goulburn's Supermax prison.

He suffered from schizophrenia and anxiety and was reluctant to come back to New Zealand, the country he left when he was just four years old.

Togatuki told Australian Immigration Minister Peter Dutton he would be "lost" if he was shipped back to New Zealand and he would have no family, friends, job or place to live.

He told the Minister that he had "no memory" of his birth country and was "uncomfortable having the identity of a Kiwi".

The SMH reported that Togstuki wrote the letters to his family in his own blood.

His mother told the newspaper she wanted answers.

"Even though he is gone, we need answers. I can't live every day of my life wondering what happened," she said.

Where to get help:

• Lifeline: 0800 543 354 (available 24/7)
• Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7)
• Youth services: (06) 3555 906
• Youthline: 0800 376 633
• Kidsline: 0800 543 754 (available 24/7)
• Whatsup: 0800 942 8787 (1pm to 11pm)
• The Word
• Depression helpline: 0800 111 757 (available 24/7)
• Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155
• CASPER Suicide Prevention
If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.