An investigation is under way after a woman died in a Christchurch police cell on Monday morning.
Canterbury District Commander Superintendent Tony Hill said the woman "was located unresponsive in her cell" about 6.50am.
He said police immediately notified St John about the incident. Officers also provided medical assistance to the woman in police custody.
"Sadly, attempts to revive the woman were unsuccessful," Hill said.
"Police are making enquiries into the circumstances of the death, which will be referred to the coroner and the Independent Police Conduct Authority."
The death comes after a Christchurch mother last week voiced concerns about her 15-year-old son being held for six nights in a police cell.
She said he had mental health problems and tried to take his life on the first night in custody. He was charged with burglary after allegedly damaging a property with a group of older teenagers.
His experience prompted Children's Commissioner, Dr Claire Achmad, to call for New Zealand to end the practice of holding minors in police cells.
"Police cells are inherently adult environments so they put children at a greater risk of harm," Achmad said.
"They are often distressing spaces. They are not age-appropriate for children to be in. And time in a police cell, especially a period of days, can lead to children experiencing mental and emotional and physical harm, potentially including a risk of self-harm."
