The incident occurred in a holding cell at the court on Monday when a prisoner refused to follow instructions while preparing for his escort back to Christchurch Men’s Prison.
The independent Corrections Inspectorate is conducting the review.
Christchurch Men’s Prison director Jo Harrex said the prisoner had been remanded in custody following an earlier court appearance.
"The prisoner began to behave aggressively and in a threatening manner, which resulted in police and Corrections staff having to restrain him.
"The prisoner was taken to the hospital following the incident and returned to prison early that evening."
Corrections is offering to make all evidence available for the review.
"We also review every use of force, including any available CCTV footage, and will be doing so in this case," Ms Harrex said.
"Our staff manage some of New Zealand’s most dangerous people in a complex and challenging environment.
"Over 75 per cent of the prison population have convictions for violence in their offending histories, and more than 90 per cent have had a lifetime diagnosis of a mental health or substance abuse disorder."
