Napier Prison was constructed on Hukarere (Bluff Hill) and was in use from June 1862. In 1869 a new wing was added to house mentally ill people. In 1875 a new, stand-alone asylum opened at the northern end of the prison site. By 1909 Napier Prison was described as the worst prison in New Zealand and there were calls for its closure. It remained open, though in 1919 its status was reduced to a police gaol, mostly for short-stays. In December 1993 everyone in Napier Prison was transferred to Mangaroa Prison.
You have reached the maximum character limit.
You must enable JavaScript to submit this form