9 March 2006

New Zealand Parole Board

Statement Regarding Rachel Namana

The Board wishes to respond to a statement released by NZ First MP Ron Mark on 8 March.

Mr Mark questioned why the Board released Rachel Namana in March 2005, and why it had not subsequently recalled her to prison.

This offender was sentenced under the Criminal Justice Act 1985, and as such was required, by law, to be released, she having completed two thirds of her sentence.
The Board had no discretion over her release (at that time) – its only role was to set the conditions of her release.

With regards to recall, the Board is not legally able to recall offenders to prison of its own volition. It can only make decisions on recall on application by the Community Probation Service.

ENDS

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