A prisoner stabbed in a gang-related attack in Auckland Prison is recovering under the watch of medical staff.

The man was rushed to hospital following the assault on Thursday afternoon before being returned to the maximum security prison in Paremoremo later in the night, chief custodial officer Neil Bates says.

Corrections medical staff are now monitoring his condition.

The man, in his 20s, suffered stab wounds, according to Westpac rescue helicopter staff, who were initially called to the incident before being stood down.

Following the attack, prison guards were able to quickly bring the incident under control and police will now investigate, Mr Bates said.

He said his staff work with some of New Zealand's most difficult people.

"Over 75 per cent of the prison population have convictions for violence in their offending histories, and gang prevalence and influence is a contributing factor to the rate of violence in prisons," he said.

The attack comes after two other maximum security prisoners were also this month injured in separate incidents at Auckland Prison on November 12.

Both inmates were assaulted with makeshift weapons in attacks authorities also blamed on gang violence.