New Zealand Human Rights Commission Submission to the CAT in relation to NZ’s 6th periodic review immigration act detention could only last up to 72 hours. Individuals reportedly are generally detained at police stations for no longer than 24-48 hours. 109. 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 Accomodation Centre 110. Located in a former army barracks, 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’ 111. 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. 112. 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. 45