UPDATED 1.02pm The Ministry of Justice is addressing issues with custodial cells in all courthouses throughout the country.

An Independent Police Complaints Authority report released today said the condition of the cells contributed to the death of Dwayne Walters at Papakura Courthouse last May.

It said despite the fact Mr Walters had reportedly threatened suicide and been discovered in possession of a significant quantity of unknown pills, no concerns regarding his welfare were communicated or recorded by any Police officer at the station.

After being picked up for breaching bail conditions, Mr Walters was transferred to the cells at Papakura District Court.

It was there where he was found later in the day, with an item of clothing tied tightly around his neck and secured to a tap within the cell.

First aid was administered, but Mr Walters was dead.

IPCA chair Judge Sir David Carruthers said a significant contributing factor in Mr Walters’ death was the poor condition of the court cell in which he was detained.

He said there were a number of fixtures in the cell that could be easily adapted for the purpose of strangulation or to otherwise inflict injury.

Sir David said the cell should not have been maintained in a way that presented this level of risk to occupants.

As a result of this report, the IPCA has discovered that a large number of other court cells throughout the country have similar deficiencies.

Ministry of Justice Deputy Secretary District Courts Karl Cummins said they've reviewed almost all cells throughout New Zealand.

He said they've found problems with ligature points - areas that can be used for self harm - and surveillance, that need addressing.

"We will address this issue across all of our 367 cells across 57 locations. That will take some time, but we are taking a close look at the priority we need to afford to those issues we need to address."

Cummins said following death of Dwayne Walters, an update to those cells became a top priority for the ministry.

"They have undergone refurbishment to bring them up to the required standard. The youth cells are currently undoing upgrades, and they will be complete in April."