Funding for NPMs Article 18(1) of OPCAT states “The States Parties shall guarantee the functional independence of the national preventive mechanisms as well as the independence of their personnel.” The NPM’s potential remains underutilised as inadequate resourcing continues to constrain some NPMs. As a result, the mechanism is yet to make consolidated progress on a range of key issues of concern and has not been able to implement a more comprehensive monitoring approach that is in line with international best practice. Better resourcing would enable increased frequency of visits and better inspection coverage by all NPMs, as required under OPCAT. More funding would also mean the services of experts could be contracted to assist with visits when and where required. All NPMs should be fully resourced to carry out their OPCAT responsibilities. A word of thanks Numerous people and groups have helped us carry out our work during the last decade. We would like to thank the Association for the Prevention of Torture, the UN Subcommittee for the Prevention of Torture, and the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention for their continued support and guidance. Thank you also to the detaining agencies who continue to cooperate, meet, and discuss issues and changes with us; the Department of Corrections, the Ministry of Health, District Health Boards, Oranga Tamariki, the New Zealand Police, and the Ministry of Justice. The current chairs of the National Preventive Mechanisms also thank the previous chairs and staff of the National Preventive Mechanisms for all their work establishing and continuing the work of the National Preventive Mechanisms. The performance of today’s National Preventive Mechanisms and its achievements are a testament to your hard work. David Rutherford Human Rights Commissioner, Human Rights Commission Judge Andrew Becroft Children’s Commissioner, Office of the Children’s Commissioner Judge Peter Boshier Chief Ombudsman, Office of the Ombudsman Robert Bywater-Lutman Inspector of Service Penal Establishments, Office of the Judge Advocate General Judge Colin Doherty Chair, Independent Police Conduct Authority We will continue to work hard, raise issues, propose changes, and advocate for those marginalised and invisible in our society. 4 Human Rights Commission