36005 (2026). Ingrid Leary to the Minister of Police

Written Question

Published date: 03 Sep 2026

Metadata

Document type:	Written Question
Parliament number:	54
Question number:	36005 (2026)
Question asked:	10 Aug 2026
Member asking:	Ingrid Leary
Portfolio:	Minister of Police
Minister replying:	Hon Mark Mitchell
Answer received:	30 Aug 2026
Status:	Question Answered
Reply type:	Reply
Document ID:	WQ_36005_2026
Document guid:	fb7e3cd1-58d7-4188-b85e-b2edf55215d0

36005 (2026). Ingrid Leary to the Minister of Police: Are Police investigating Wakari Hospital Ward 10A, given that the Ombudsman conducted his 2026 investigation under the Crimes of Torture Act, which gives effect to the United Nations Convention Against Torture, triggering legal requirements for Police to investigate, and given that the Ombudsman has said torture probably occurred at Wakari Hospital Ward 10A?

Hon Mark Mitchell: I’m advised New Zealand Police have not received any complaints or referrals to date regarding Wakari Hospital Ward 10A. As the Member should be aware, New Zealand Police is statutorily independent and cannot be compelled to investigate a particular matter. However, if an individual made a complaint of torture, that would be considered by New Zealand Police and investigated where the necessary thresholds were met. Police encourage the families of patients to come forward with complaints if they wish to make them.