In 2009, UN Committee Against Torture has expressed its concerns over the use of non lethal weapons and stated as follows:
WRITTEN REPLIES BY NEW ZEALAND TO THE LIST OF ISSUES (CAT/C/NZL/Q/5) TO BE TAKEN UP IN CONNECTION WITH THE CONSIDERATION OF THE FIFTH PERIODIC REPORT OF NEW ZEALAND
(CAT/C/NZL/5) 0 March 2009
Non-lethal weapons (question 5)
26. The Committee notes that the Corrections Act 2004 provides a more consistent
approach to the use of non-lethal weapons and requires that any such weapons can be used if
allowed by regulation. The Committee asks which non-lethal weapons are authorized under the
Act. The Committee also seeks an explanation of the circumstances where these weapons are
used and how the Minister of Corrections monitors their use to ensure that it does not breach
articles 2 and 16 of the Convention.
27. The Corrections Regulations 2005 only authorises one type of non lethal weapon: a
baton. The Regulations state that the baton must weigh no more than 1 kilogram, be made of
plastic or aluminium or similar material and not be capable of delivering an electric shock
(Regulation 120). Only trained staff members are permitted to carry a baton. Batons are issued
at the direction of the prison manager and only in certain circumstances (Regulation s121 and
122). A staff member who has been issued with a baton may only use it with the prison
manager's approval and in a way that minimises pain or injury to the prisoner (Regulation 123)
28. While the Corrections Regulations allow for the use of batons, the Department of
Corrections does not currently possess any batons and, therefore, none are in use.
http://www.unhcr.org/refworld/pdfid/49f03f9d2.pdf
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