Corrections say it's a waiting game until prisoners rioting at Waikeria Prison, find a resolution.

Rioting inmates have caused significant fire damage to a third of the top-jail's capacity over the past two days.

Seventeen remain non-compliant.

Corrections Association's Alan Whitley told Tim Dower it's too dangerous to send in any staff to defuse the situation.

"The prisoners on the roof have access to debris from the fire which could cause injuries if thrown down.

"You have to maintain the safety of the staff, the prisoners have chosen to do what they have done."

The Department of Corrections maintains no formal complaints have been filed.

Whitley says the prison is definitely past its used by date.

But he says it's what they're having to put up with until a new prison is built.

LISTEN ABOVE