25 July 2005

New Zealand Parole Board
Media Statement: Henry Matafeo

On Friday 22 July, the Chairperson of the New Zealand Parole Board received an application for early release on parole on compassionate grounds from Henry Matafeo.

This application included details of Mr Matafeo's medical condition.

As required by section 41 of the Parole Act 2002, the Chairperson of the Board, Judge David Carruthers, considered the application and made a decision to refer it to a panel of the Board for a decision.

A copy of the Judge Carruthers' referral is attached.

The application was subsequently approved.

A copy of the Board's decision is also attached.

No further comment will be made on this issue.

ENDS