A dozen prisoners in Waikeria Prison, south of Hamilton, are facing the consequences of a Christmas Eve homebrew booze-up

Prison general manager Jim Watson says the unit is now operating normally after being temporarily locked down last night to deal with the incident.

He says ten of the prisoners have been placed into solitary and two have been moved to other prisons.

Watson says the behaviour was unacceptable, and they've all been charged with misconduct.

The prison said homebrew can be made using rotting fruit, water, sugar and a plastic bag.