There are serious concerns about New Zealand’s seclusion and restraint practices.

A UN-funded report found children, disabled people and the mentally unwell were isolated at high rates.

Chief Human Rights Commissioner David Rutherford said the report also highlights the relationship between mental health and seclusion.

Mr Rutherford said we're asking our Police and Corrections officers to be frontline mental health workers, but that's not what they're trained to be.

He said the police cells they can hold people in aren't places people with mental health issues should be held.

LISTEN TO DAVID RUTHERFORD SPEAK WITH NADINE HIGGINS