Police have named two prisoners who escaped from Waikeria Prison early this morning.
They are Jesse Lee Ibell, 24 and Wayne Holmes, 23.
Police confirmed this afternoon that the two men had indeed left the prison's grounds, after having confirmed sightings from the public that the men had been seen in the Hauraki Plains are this morning.
General Manager Prison Services Jeanette Burns confirmed two prisoners breached security and escaped from their cell in the early hours of this morning. The prisoners broke out of a unit that will be closed in April next year.
Detective Sergeant Ross Patterson of the Te Awamutu CIB said police were contacted shortly after 2am today about two Waikeria Prison inmates who were unaccounted for.
At first they thought the inmates could still be on the prison grounds.
Mr Patterson said both men have extensive criminal histories and should not be approached.
"It is our belief that when these men escaped they stole an older white Ford Laser car from Kihikihi which has been recovered in Kerepehi around midday."
Ibell is described as a male Caucasian about 172cm tall and of thin build - Holmes a male Caucasian about 172cm tall and of thin build.
People should ring 111 immmediately if they see the pair.
Alternatively information can be left anonymously with Crimestoppers on 0800 555111
Prison escapes nationwide are at an all time low, only three prisoners escaped from New Zealand Corrections Facilities in 2011 and this is the second escape in 2012. Waikeria Prison is south of Te Awamutu and is the country's largest prison.
