Material conditions and regime in segregation units There have been some positive changes since the original review took place. The ‘silver cells’ at Auckland Men’s prison, described then as ‘claustrophobic and not fit for purpose’ (TOTB p 33) have been decommissioned. Physical conditions at the newly built Assessment Unit (formerly the Management Unit), also at Auckland Men’s prison, were an improvement over the old unit. As well as self -contained cells equipped with a shower, a toilet/sink unit and a small individual exercise yard, the unit contained an audio-visual room, a room for programme provision (albeit with separating glass), and exercise yards where two men were sometimes allowed to exercise together, with two ‘activity officers’, for an hour weekly. Mostly, however, prisoners had little to do and could only spend very limited time outside their cell. An Intervention and Support Unit (ISU) had a beautiful new sensory garden built in one of the yards, but mental health staff had to make a special request for a prisoner to spend time in this garden, and it was not clear how long prisoners could spend in there. Pockets of good practice notwithstanding, the key concerns over bleak environments, lack of privacy and impoverished segregation regimes remained, with the majority of segregated prisoners spending 23 hours a day inside their small cell. The number of times that in-cell toilets could be flushed continued to be limited, as was the length of showers. Not all cells had power points to enable prisoners to watch television or listen to music. Some exercise equipment was added to yards in a number of prisons, but not to all. The Intervention and Support Units (ISU), despite the name change, also continued to suffer similar issues – impoverished regimes and austere cells, with even fewer furnishings and personal belongings than those afforded to prisoners in Management Units, and with the added indignities of cardboard potties and tear-proof gowns. Some cells had no window and no access to natural light. Windowless ISU cell. Other cells were constantly monitored by camera which covered all cell areas, including the toilet area, affording prisoners no privacy. Elsewhere, shower stalls were located in the centre of the unit, and only had stable doors, meaning that those using it were partially exposed to staff, other prisoners and anyone visiting the unit. 19