The death of a New Zealand detainee at the Villawood detention centre has triggered calls for independent scrutiny of the network, and prompted fresh questions over Australia's bid for a United Nations human rights council seat.

A 42-year-old New Zealand detainee died at Villawood detention centre overnight, the Immigration Department has confirmed.

There have been reports he died after an altercation, however the department said in a statement there were no disturbances at the centre and it was "not aware of any suspicious circumstances surrounding the death".

The department said staff were alerted to an unconscious man at about 9.45pm on Monday and attempted to resuscitate him.