Two prisoners holed up in a disused watchtower at the maximum security Auckland Prison at Paremoremo have written messages using toothpaste, apparently directed at media.
The prisoners, including serial escapee Aaron Forden who is known as "houdini", scaled the tower at the prison north of Auckland about 10.30am on Friday.
On Saturday afternoon media reported that the men had put up a large sign saying: "Peaceful protest against departments".
Fairfax reported that the sign was written using toothpaste and that another message had been displayed saying: "Contact Peter Williams QC".
NZ Newswire wasn't able to immediately reach Mr Williams who is a known prisoners' advocate.
A Department of Corrections spokesman told NZ Newswire on Saturday that the men remained contained in the watchtower after spending the night there.
Department of Corrections' general manager of prison services, Jeanette Burns, earlier said there was no chance of the prisoners escaping.
The men are not being given any food and water until they come down, Radio New Zealand reported.
Earlier this month two inmates escaped from Waikeria Prison, near Te Awamutu, and a prisoner at Auckland Central Remand Prison got away while being escorted from a medical appointment.
News home