Key Takeaways
- Kino Hoki Matete, a 45-year-old inmate, is the first woman to be given preventive detention for serious violence and will be considered for release in 2026 after 20 years in prison.
- Matete has a history of substantial violence and drink-driving, and has been problematic in prison, with instances of abuse towards staff and misconduct charges.
- The Parole Board has declined to release Matete, pending finalization of a guided release plan, and will review his case again in six months.
- Matete identifies as male and has been working on a plan to help him towards release, with the Parole Board expressing a sense of hope for his future.
- 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 Kino Hoki Matete’s Case
Kino Hoki Matete, a 45-year-old inmate, is making headlines as the first woman to be given preventive detention for serious violence. With a sentence that allows for indefinite imprisonment, Matete has been behind bars since 2006 and will be considered for release in 2026. This significant milestone marks 20 years of incarceration, and the Parole Board is taking a cautious approach to ensure that Matete is no longer a risk to society. The board’s decision to decline release, pending finalization of a guided release plan, is a testament to the complexities of Matete’s case.
Background and History of Violence
Matete’s history of violence is substantial, with convictions including drink-driving and attacks on others. In 2004, while on parole, Matete attacked a woman he believed had burgled his house, cutting her arm with a pocket knife. This incident was followed by another attack in 2005, where Matete threw a bucket of boiling water over a woman who had ripped off his "jail mum", resulting in severe burns. Furthermore, Matete broke a prison officer’s arm in 2005 after becoming enraged by the way the woman asked him to return a pen. These incidents demonstrate the severity of Matete’s violent behavior and the need for careful consideration before release.
Conduct in Prison and Plans for Release
Matete’s conduct in prison has been problematic at times, with instances of abuse towards staff and misconduct charges. As recently as 2022, Parole Board reports noted that Matete had been abusive towards staff and had been charged with misconduct several times for making threats. However, the Parole Board has expressed a sense of hope for Matete’s future, following a recent hearing where a plan to help him towards release was discussed. The board has declined to release Matete, pending finalization of the guided release plan, and will review his case again in six months. This plan includes an updated risk assessment from a psychologist and another multi-disciplinary team meeting to discuss the plan for release.
The Parole Board’s Decision and Future Plans
The Parole Board’s decision to decline release is a testament to the careful consideration being given to Matete’s case. The board’s convenor, Kathryn Snook, noted that there was now "a sense of hope" after hearing details of the plan to help Matete towards release. However, Snook also stated that there were things that needed to happen before release, which might take slightly longer than Matete had hoped for. The board’s approach is cautious, and rightly so, given the severity of Matete’s past behavior. 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 emphasizes the need for careful planning and monitoring to ensure that Matete is fully prepared for release and can reintegrate into society safely.
Conclusion and Future Implications
In conclusion, Kino Hoki Matete’s case is a complex and significant one, marking 20 years of incarceration for serious violence. The Parole Board’s decision to decline release, pending finalization of a guided release plan, is a testament to the careful consideration being given to Matete’s case. As Matete prepares for potential release in 2026, it is essential that the necessary steps are taken to ensure that he is fully prepared for reintegration into society. The board’s approach is cautious, and rightly so, given the severity of Matete’s past behavior. As the case progresses, it will be essential to monitor Matete’s progress and ensure that the necessary support is in place to prevent reoffending and promote a successful release.