75584 (2024). Hon Dr Duncan Webb to the Minister of Justice

75584 (2024). Hon Dr Duncan Webb to the Minister of Justice: What steps if any have been taken to ensure that detainees can take legal advice confidentially in the Blenheim and Greymouth court facilities?

Hon Paul Goldsmith: I am advised the Ministry of Justice has a project underway to improve the sound proofing of non-contact interview rooms. Initial design work has shown that there is likely to be challenges with sound proofing interview rooms while still allowing sufficient ventilation for the rooms to be comfortable and safe to use. As part of the same project, the Ministry of Justice will investigate if any measures can be taken to improve detainees’ privacy while using toilet facilities. Noting that the detainees’ privacy needs to be balanced against the risk of a detainee harming themselves or others.