A KIWI has died in an Australian detention centre.

MP Kelvin Davis said the name of the dead detainee was Rob Peihopa. He described him as a man in his 40s who was quite fit.

Mr Davis said he received a phone call at 3am from a person who knew the man, saying he had passed away inside the detention centre.

He said he did not know the circumstances surrounding the New Zealand man's death.

Australian Immigration has confirmed that the New Zealand man died at the Villawood Detention Centre in Sydney overnight.

"I can confirm there has been a death," said an Australian Immigration spokeswoman.

More details surrounding the death of the man inside the detention facility were due to be released shortly.