Reports on unannounced inspections of four prisons between 2023 and 2024 published

The four reports published by the Ombudsman traverse a range of themes including solitary confinement, use of force, the use of CCTV cameras and cultural & spiritual wellbeing.

The facilities are:

• Auckland Region Women’s Corrections Facility
• Christchurch Men’s Prison
• Auckland Prison
• Arohata Prison

Background

New Zealand signed up to the United Nations’ Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (OPCAT) in 2007. The Chief Ombudsman is a ‘National Preventive Mechanism’ (NPM) under OPCAT, meaning he monitors prisons and other places of detention (like health and disability facilities) to ensure they meet international human rights.