CAT/OP/NZL/1 to be “out of cell” from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., sometimes with an hour’s lock-down at midday. This, however, describes the working day of custodial staff and detainees are usually still in their cells until 8.30 a.m. and locked up well before 4.30 p.m., meaning that in reality many detainees are in their cells for 18-19 hours per day and even longer at weekends. The Subcommittee is concerned at the possible harmful effects of being held in such a strict regime for many years, especially those held at the maximum security facilities in Auckland. It was also concerned that the cells themselves were comparatively small (for example, a block at Hastings prison where the cells measured approximately 2.25 x 2.85 m2). When combined with the lack of access to an adequate range of activities, such prolonged periods of incarceration in comparatively small cells could potentially constitute ill-treatment. 83. The Subcommittee is further concerned at the lack of adequate exercise facilities and the disparities in access to them. As already mentioned, the classification system adversely affects the time that prisoners can exercise and engage in outdoor activities. For instance, in Arohata women’s prison, the lack of facilities, coupled with the need to segregate categories of prisoners, restricted exercise time to about 30 minutes a day, whereas in the Maori focus units at both Rimutaka prison and Hawkes Bay, and the container unit at Rimutaka prison, prisoners had access to exercise equipment and outdoor activities during the entire unlock period. Furthermore, in most of the prisons visited, the outside yards had roofs, which prevented exposure to sunlight. In numerous instances, the so-called outdoor exercise yards were not really out of doors at all. At Mount Eden prison, the Subcommittee observed that prisoners were very pale and were reportedly given vitamin D pills owing to their lack of exposure to daylight. 84. The Subcommittee recommends that the authorities improve the detention regime, in particular regarding out-of-cell time. The State party should ensure the consistent application of rules on exercise and outdoor activities and allow adequate time for such activities for all prisoners. Furthermore, all accommodation provided for the use of prisoners, including at Mount Eden prison, should meet the requirements of natural light.10 85. The Subcommittee noted with concern the low nutritional value of the meals provided in the prisons it visited. Breakfast and lunch were monotonous, the latter invariably (in the experience of the Subcommittee) comprising three thin white bread sandwiches and a piece of fruit. The Subcommittee observed that dinner was served around 3.30 p.m., leaving detainees without food until at least 8.30 a.m. the next day. Furthermore, the Subcommittee heard numerous complaints from detainees concerning the list of items that could be purchased, in particular regarding prices, limited choice and unhealthy items, which failed to compensate for the paucity and monotony of the food provided. 86. The Subcommittee recommends that the quality, variety, nutritional value and times of meals be reviewed and that the list of items available for purchase be improved in terms of quantity, quality and value for money. 87. The Subcommittee also visited several management units where prisoners were being held for disciplinary offences. The management cells and yards at Mount Eden prison were in a deplorable state of hygiene. In addition, the delegation noted with grave concern that the newly built management cells at the Auckland maximum security prison (where persons were held in solitary confinement) were extremely small, were under constant video surveillance, afforded little room for internal movement or activity and could best be likened to a tin can. The so-called exercise yard was a small cage situated immediately across the corridor from the cells and afforded no opportunity for exercise at all. The 10 See Standard Minimum Rules, rules 10 and 11. 17