The man accused of killing 50 people in the terrorist attack at two Christchurch mosques is being held in segregation at New Zealand's only maximum security prison, Auckland Prison at Paremoremo, on Auckland's northern fringe.
This morning the 28-year-old Australian, Brenton Tarrant, appeared in the High Court in Christchurch via video link . He was ordered to undergo mental health tests before appearing in the High Court again on June 14.
1 NEWS reporter Paul Hobbs was among a small media group allowed to look around the newly-built Auckland Prison at Paremoremo last year.
Tonight 1 NEWS carried vision from that tour of the prison, showing it's designed to have central hubs with the cells branching out like spokes on a wheel.
Inside, the visiting room is tightly monitored by multiple cameras.
Each cell is about nine square metres, complete with a bed, shower, toilet, sink unit and a television, although the accused is not allowed access to a TV.
Each wing has it's own exercise area and education rooms.
The Christchurch mosques shooting suspect is a segregated prisoner, denied any association with other inmates because of safety risks.
The Department of Corrections says he has no access to television, radio or newspapers and he is not allowed any visitors.
1 NEWS understands the accused man has one wing of the maximum security unit to himself.
As for his behaviour inside, a source has described it as "compliant".
Regulations state he must be seen by an approved Corrections staff member at least once a day, and by medical people if necessary.
The accused appeared in person in Christchurch District Court on March 16, the day after New Zealand's biggest mass shooting.
Depending on the outcome of the psychological assessments ordered today, he will be expected to plead to the 50 charges of murder and 39 charges of attempted murder laid against him when he next appears in court in just over two months.
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