Key Takeaways
- Matete, an inmate at the Auckland Region Women’s Correctional Facility (ARWCF), has been declined parole pending finalization of a guided release plan for next year.
- Matete has a history of violent behavior, including attacking a woman and throwing boiling water over another inmate.
- The Parole Board has expressed a sense of hope for Matete’s release, but requires an updated risk assessment and a multi-disciplinary team meeting to discuss his release plan.
- Matete will be seen again by the Parole Board in six months, in June 2026.
- As someone sentenced to preventive detention, Matete will be subject to recall to prison at any time if he reoffends after being set free.
Introduction to Matete’s Case
Matete, an inmate at the Auckland Region Women’s Correctional Facility (ARWCF), recently appeared before the Parole Board, seeking release. However, the board declined to release him, pending the finalization of a guided release plan for next year. Matete’s counsel, Ella Burton, informed the board that parole was not being sought at this time, as the release plan was still being developed. The board did discuss aspects of the plan, but all details were suppressed.
Matete’s History of Violence
Matete has a troubled past, having been in state care during childhood and only completing one year of secondary schooling before ending up on the streets and eventually in the youth remand wing of Mt Eden Prison at the age of 15. In 2004, while on parole, Matete attacked a woman he believed had burgled his house, cutting her arm with a pocket knife and requiring four stitches. The following year, while on remand, he threw a bucket of boiling water over a woman who had ripped off her "jail mum", hospitalizing her with severe burns. Additionally, Matete broke a prison officer’s arm after becoming enraged by the way the woman asked him to return a pen. These incidents demonstrate a pattern of violent behavior, which has been a concern for the Parole Board.
Conduct in Prison
Matete’s conduct in prison has been problematic at times, with reports of abusive behavior towards staff and multiple charges of misconduct for making threats as recently as 2022. However, the Parole Board has expressed a sense of hope for Matete’s release, citing a plan to help him towards release. Parole Board convenor Kathryn Snook stated that it was "really good to hear what has been developed for you," but also noted that there were things that needed to happen before release, which might take longer than Matete had hoped for.
Parole Board Decision
The Parole Board has decided to see Matete again in six months, in June 2026, to reassess his suitability for release. The board requires an updated risk assessment from a psychologist, who will examine Matete’s safety plan for coping in the community. Additionally, the board wants another multi-disciplinary team meeting to discuss the plan for release. As someone sentenced to preventive detention, Matete will be subject to recall to prison at any time if he reoffends after being set free. This means that Matete will be closely monitored and will need to demonstrate a commitment to rehabilitation and community safety in order to remain free.
Conclusion and Future Outlook
In conclusion, Matete’s case highlights the complexities and challenges of rehabilitation and release planning for inmates with a history of violent behavior. While the Parole Board has expressed a sense of hope for Matete’s release, it is clear that there are still significant hurdles to overcome before he can be safely released back into the community. The board’s decision to see Matete again in six months will provide an opportunity for further assessment and planning, and it is likely that Matete will need to demonstrate significant progress and a commitment to rehabilitation in order to be considered for release. Ultimately, the goal of the Parole Board is to ensure that Matete is able to safely reintegrate into the community, while also protecting the public from the risk of reoffending.