172
The appropriateness of using police stations for immigration purposes has been
criticised by human rights groups. For instance, the Papakura police station in
Auckland has been criticised for not providing separate facilities for migrants and
asylum seekers, as well as overcrowding and poor hygiene. Detainees also claimed
being denied access to their belongings and being forced to sleep in cells without a
mattress.
The Mangere Accommodation Centre
173
The Mangere Accommodation Centre (also known as the Mangere Refugee
Resettlement Centre) is the sole facility in New Zealand dedicated entirely to housing
refugees and asylum seekers. The centre’s population is predominantly made up of
incoming UN Quota Refugees being resettled in the country (of which New Zealand
accepts 750 annually), as well as asylum seekers whose identity is uncertain and who
do not pose either a risk of absconding or to national security. Both are housed
together, which has reportedly caused resentment and tension between the two
groups, and has led to criticism of differences in treatment, including a lack of parity
in accessing housing and employment support services. On average, asylum seekers
spend six weeks at the centre, which can hold up to 28 at any given time. While at
the centre, the Immigration Act officially classifies these asylum seekers as
‘detainees’.
174
New Zealand authorities characterise the facility as “open detention”. There are,
however, limitations on asylum seekers’ movements, and the centre’s management
has the right to refuse permission to leave during the day.
175
As part of Budget 2013, the New Zealand Government committed $5.5 million of
operating expenditure over the next four years towards the cost of the rebuild of the
Mangere Centre. The rebuild process is now underway and is due to be completed in
2016.
Correctional Institutions
176
Asylum seekers and irregular migrants who are considered to potentially pose risk of
absconding and/or a risk to national security are detained in correctional
institutions. At the time of the WGAD visit to New Zealand they are generally held in
Waikeria Prison, Arohata Prison for Women and Mt Eden Corrections Facility. These
prisons are not providing separate facilities for immigrants in an irregular situation
and asylum seekers.
Page 48 of 93
Human Rights Commission submission to the Human Rights Committee in relation to New Zealand’s 6th periodic review under the ICCPR