Scathing reports into two New Zealand prisons have highlighted issues of "undignified and barren" conditions for inmates, the Chief Ombudsman says.
Concerns raised by Chief Ombudsman Peter Boshier include the use of force on vulnerable inmates at Christchurch Men's Prison. Boshier is also worried about derogatory terms being used about a transgender inmate at Whanganui prison.
He also found "dry cells", a cell without a shower or toilet, continued to be used for at-risk prisoners.
Boshier inspected both prisons unannounced last year, after first inspecting them in 2017.
Corrections had made a lack of progress in improving treatment and conditions behind bars since 2017, Boshier said.
"It is disappointing that both inspections showed a high number of recommendations I made during my previous visits had either not been achieved at all or only partially achieved.
"The apparent inertia that seems to afflict Corrections in implementing change adds to my frustration at the glacial pace of progress in improving conditions and treatment for prisoners and undermines public confidence in the department.
"It is findings like this that have driven, in part, my decision to carry out a systemic and wide-ranging investigation into why recommendations for improvements made by myself and other agencies do not appear to have been effectively addressed or are taking too long to achieve."
Recounting what he witnessed at Christchurch Men's Prison, Boshier said prisoner footage showed staff using force on vulnerable inmates.
"I have made the repeat amended recommendation that the prison director takes action to reduce the incidence of force in the ISU (intensive supervision unit)."
Boshier said it was also unacceptable that at Whanganui Prison, derogatory language was used by Corrections staff in relation to a transgender detainee.
"Misgendering, deadnaming and any other forms of dehumanising and derogatory language in relation to transgender people are unacceptable."
The use of "dry cells" at Whanganui Prison was also demeaning, Boshier said.
"Dry cells are a desolate and barren environment for prisoners who are already vulnerable. I do not consider it is ever appropriate to put at-risk individuals into cells that have no toilets and no drinking water."
But Boshier said the prisons had made some improvements - including a reduction in double-bunking at Whanganui and better interaction between prisoners and staff at Christchurch Men's.
Boshier made 26 repeat recommendations and one new recommendation. In a statement, Corrections national commissioner Rachel Leota said the nature of the reports don't recognise the challenging work staff do every day to keep people in prisons safe.
"We have 4100 custodial staff who show up to work in prisons every day to keep New Zealanders safe and help the people we manage change their lives.
"They work in some of the most difficult and challenging environments in New Zealand, with complex people.
"Prisons are reflective of what occurs in our communities and in recent years the environment in which Corrections operates has changed significantly."
