An investigation by the independent Corrections Inspectorate will be carried out after a man died at Invercargill Prison last week.
"Our staff, with the assistance of medical and ambulance staff, made every effort to save him. However, they were sadly unable to revive him.
"Our thoughts are with the man’s family and friends."
Yesterday, two cousins of Nukuroa Strange — Nevin Trainor and Ethan Reynolds — who have both been remanded in custody at Invercargill Prison, appeared before Judge John Brandts-Giesen in the Invercargill District Court yesterday, seeking compassionate leave to attend Strange’s funeral tomorrow.
Reynolds’ lawyer, Sonia Vidal, said everyone in prison was totally isolated due to Covid-19 restrictions, making it especially difficult for families in times of grief.
Judge Brandts-Giesen said all three men were in the same prison wing when Strange died.
"This has no doubt been a very traumatic experience for them both because from their cells, as Ms Vidal said, they would have seen the deceased being removed from that wing and taken to the mortuary or wherever," he said.
He granted both men bail to leave the prison between 12.30pm and 2.40pm tomorrow to attend the funeral with strict court orders regarding their attendance.
Funerals were important in every culture and although the service was to be live-streamed, given the funeral home was such a short distance from the prison, in his view there would be an element of cruelty if they were not given bail to attend, Judge Brandts-Giesen said.
Mr Tamati said other men in the unit, including those close to Strange, and staff were being provided with support, including access to chaplains and cultural support where requested.
"All deaths in custody are referred to the coroner for investigation and determination of cause of death. Police were also notified of the death," Mr Tamati said.
"An investigation by the independent Corrections Inspectorate will also be carried out."
