The family of a convicted sex offender found dead in his cell at Ngawha Prison - are still seeking answers nearly 400 days later

40-year old Kingi Hemi's body was discovered in his double-bunked cell at the Northland prison in November last year.

Police have been treating the death as unexplained - and are now referring the case to the Coroner to investigate.

Our newsroom understands it's not being investigated as a homicide.

Corrections says no misconduct or disciplinary charges have been laid against any prisoners or prison staff.