53862 (2025). Hon Dr Duncan Webb to the Minister of Corrections

Written Question

Published date: 01 Dec 2025

Metadata

Document type:	Written Question
Parliament number:	54
Question number:	53862 (2025)
Question asked:	17 Nov 2025
Member asking:	Hon Dr Duncan Webb
Portfolio:	Minister of Corrections
Minister replying:	Hon Mark Mitchell
Answer received:	25 Nov 2025
Status:	Question Answered
Reply type:	Reply
Document ID:	WQ_53862_2025
Document guid:	069699e1-1121-4172-8cc8-c9633dd79cd3

53862 (2025). Hon Dr Duncan Webb to the Minister of Corrections: Are there cells in Rolleston Prison in which there is limited headroom in the top bunk; if so what is the headroom and is it sufficient for a prisoner to sit upright?

Hon Mark Mitchell: I am advised that double bunking at Rolleston Prison is currently limited to 120 cells, out of a total 384 cells. I am further advised that the measurement from the base of the top bunk to the ceiling in these cells is 109cm. The top bunk also includes a mattress which is 15cm thick and condenses under load. This leaves a total of 94cm of clearance between the top of the mattress and the ceiling when the mattress is not condensed. In New Zealand, a minimum of 75cm to 80cm of clearance between the top of the mattress and the ceiling is recommended for a top bunk.