Historic prison to be protected

New Zealand Historic Places Trust Information release
14 June 2007

The future of one of Auckland's best known - even infamous - heritage buildings is looking a lot more secure as a result of an announcement from the Department of Corrections today.

The site of Mt Eden Prison is to be redeveloped to provide a modern prison facility, though the historic prison building itself - registered as a Category I historic place with the New Zealand Historic Places Trust - would be retained and incorporated into the new development.

"It may not have connotations of being one of the most pleasant of Auckland's historic buildings, but Mt Eden Prison is still a very important part of the city's heritage," says Robin Byron, Heritage Adviser Architecture of the New Zealand Historic Places Trust.

"We have worked with the Department of Corrections to ensure that the historic prison complex would be kept, strengthened, protected and carefully adapted as necessary in order that the old prison can continue to function for prison use."

The imposing bluestone building was built by prison labour, with construction beginning in 1885, and was based loosely on British jails like Pentonville which were designed to keep prisoners separate from one another, and to help foster rehabilitation.

Architects at the time often modeled prison exteriors on castles or fortresses drawing on Classical or Gothic architectural styles. The actual structure of the prison building beneath the façade, however, was more prosaic and utilitarian.

Over the years Mt Eden Prison has incarcerated thousands of New Zealanders. Some, like Labour leader John A. Lee who served a 12 month sentence in 1913, never entered its doors again.

Another prisoner - George Wilder - escaped from Mt Eden Prison twice; the first in February 1964 when he then spent 172 days on the road, and the second a year later when he kidnapped a warder and held him hostage in his own home. Three hours later he surrendered to police.

In July 1965, Wilder took part in the Mt Eden Prison riots which resulted in serious damage to the prison building. Much of the original bluestone and kauri building remains intact however.

"The old prison is remarkably well preserved for a 19th Century structure - even after almost 120 years of constant use. It's very important that this heritage is retained and restored and can continue to serve the prison needs into the future," says Robin.

"This is a very good outcome for heritage, and the Department of Corrections should be congratulated for their commitment to preserving this nationally significant historic building."

Media Contact: John O'Hare, Ph 09-401-7582