75349 (2024). Hon Dr Duncan Webb to the Minister of Justice

75349 (2024). Hon Dr Duncan Webb to the Minister of Justice: Have any steps been taken in response to the Ombudsman's observation that in most holding cells in court facilities and Police stations "detainees were eating all, or certainly most, of their meals in proximity to an open toilet. In court facilities, the drinking water available to detainees also came from the wash basin in the top of the toilet" and "Eating and drinking in close proximity to an open toilet appears to be unsanitary and inconsistent with tikanga Māori"?

Hon Paul Goldsmith: I am advised that the Ministry of Justice is responsible for building and maintaining custody facilities in New Zealand’s courts. The Ministry will consider the Ombudsman’s observations when updating courthouse design standards and building new courts.