The Department of Corrections says Corrections Association president Beven Hanlon "does not understand proceedings" when he calls for an independent inquiry into the circumstances leading to the death of prison guard Jason Palmer.
The Corrections Association of New Zealand (CANZ) has sent a letter to Corrections Minister Judith Collins calling for an independent inquiry into the death of Mr Palmer, who died after allegedly being punched by an inmate on May 15.
The inmate Latu Kepu, 21, appeared in Hamilton District Court today charged with Mr Palmer's manslaughter. He was remanded in custody.
America-born Mr Palmer, 33, died in Auckland's Middlemore Hospital after the alleged attack at Springhill Prison at Hampton Downs, south of Auckland, on May 15.
Mr Hanlon said corrections officers deserved an independent investigation to answer their questions about the violent death of a colleague at the hands of a known violent prisoner.
Mr Hanlon said if there was nothing to hide, then there would be no problem conducting an independent inquiry.
"Too many corrections officers are being assaulted every day and it has become an expectation. We will never learn from this tragedy if we don't shine a light on the decisions, policies and inactions that contributed to this death," Mr Hanlon said.
In response, Corrections chief executive Barry Matthews said it appeared Mr Hanlon did "not understand the proceedings, or is suggesting that agencies such as police and the Ombudsman are not independent of Corrections".
According to Mr Matthews there are four external agencies undertaking reviews into the assault on Mr Palmer.
The police investigation has led to the manslaughter charge while the Department of Labour is focussing specifically on health and safety in the workplace. There is also a coroner's investigation under way and the Office of the Ombudsman is also investigating.
