Key Takeaways
- Krishan Dick‑Karetai, 28, was sentenced to nearly seven years in prison for attempting to murder Hemi Tahuri by shooting him in the head during a stalking‑related incident in Karitane, Otago, in October 2021.
- The attack left a bullet lodged in Tahuri’s skull that surgeons could not remove; despite this, Tahuri survived against the odds.
- While incarcerated, Dick‑Karetai has undergone psychological treatment that has helped him curb impulsive reactions, but he continues to struggle with acknowledging his behaviour as stalking, hindering deeper therapeutic work.
- A risk assessment classifies him as a low risk of re‑stalking the same woman but a moderate risk of future physical violence toward her or anyone known to her.
- The victims (Tahuri and his partner Missy Parata) remain fearful of a resumption of stalking and have opposed any release, citing concerns that Dick‑Karetai used social media to locate members of their wider whānau.
- The Parole Board declined parole, setting the next hearing for February 2026 to allow time for further treatment, possible prison transfer for reintegration, and an updated psychological report to clarify the low‑stalking risk rating.
Incident Overview
In October 2021, Krishan Dick‑Karetai traveled to the small coastal settlement of Karitane in Otago with the intent of confronting Hemi Tahuri, whom he perceived as a romantic rival for the affections of Missy Parata. After moving to Dunedin and initiating a persistent campaign of unwanted phone calls and text messages directed at Parata—despite her explicit requests for him to cease—Dick‑Karetai’s frustration escalated. He arrived at the couple’s residence, fired a single shot through the front door, and the projectile struck Tahuri in the head. The bullet became lodged in the posterior region of Tahuri’s skull, a position deemed too dangerous for surgical removal. Remarkably, Tahuri survived the traumatic injury, a outcome described by medical staff as miraculous given the bullet’s location and the force involved.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
Following the shooting, Dick‑Karetai was charged with attempted murder. He pleaded guilty, and the Otago District Court heard detailed testimony about his obsessive pursuit of Parata, the threatening communications, and the violent act itself. The court emphasized the premeditated nature of the stalking behaviour and the grave danger posed by discharging a firearm in a residential setting. In light of these factors, the judge imposed a sentence of nearly seven years’ imprisonment, reflecting both the severity of the offense and the need for deterrence and public protection. The sentence also accounted for the lasting psychological trauma inflicted on the victims, who continue to live with fear and anxiety.
Psychological Treatment in Custody
Since his incarceration at the Otago Corrections Facility, Dick‑Karetai has participated in regular psychological counselling aimed at addressing impulsivity and emotional regulation. He reported to the Parole Board that the sessions have “enabled him to slow down his thinking and stop him from reacting impulsively,” indicating some progress in managing immediate urges. However, the treating psychologist noted that Dick‑Karetai remains reluctant to label his earlier conduct toward Parata as stalking. This denial acts as a barrier to deeper therapeutic exploration, preventing him from fully confronting the obsessive thought patterns that drove his behaviour. The psychologist recommended additional work focused on recognizing and accepting responsibility for stalking actions as a prerequisite for more advanced interventions.
Risk Assessment Findings
A formal risk assessment conducted by correctional psychologists concluded that Dick‑Karetai poses a low likelihood of re‑engaging in stalking specifically against Missy Parata. Conversely, the same evaluation rated him as a moderate risk of committing future physical violence toward her or any individual known to her. This dichotomy stems from his demonstrated capacity for impulsive aggression—evidenced by the shooting—combined with ongoing difficulties in acknowledging the stalking component of his conduct. The board noted that while the stalking risk may be mitigated through continued treatment, the potential for violent outbursts remains a significant concern that warrants careful monitoring and structured reintegration planning.
Victims’ Perspectives and Ongoing Fear
Both Hemi Tahuri and Missy Parata presented victim impact statements to the Parole Board, articulating a persistent sense of insecurity. They expressed that the trauma of the shooting, coupled with the knowledge that Dick‑Karetai had attempted to locate extended family members via social media, leaves them apprehensive about any future contact. The victims unequivocally stated they do not wish to see Dick‑Karetai released from prison “ever,” emphasizing that their safety and peace of mind hinge on his continued confinement. Their testimony highlighted the broader psychological toll of stalking, extending beyond the immediate physical harm to encompass chronic anxiety and a diminished sense of personal security.
Behavioural Observations by Corrections Staff
Despite the seriousness of his offense, corrections officers described Dick‑Karetai as consistently polite and cooperative during his time in custody. He has engaged positively in self‑care routines, demonstrated reliability in kitchen work duties, and maintained a regular regimen of physical exercise in the gym. These observations suggest that, when provided with structured environments and clear expectations, he is capable of adhering to institutional norms. The board considered these favourable behavioural reports as indicative of his potential to benefit from rehabilitative programs, provided that the underlying issues of denial and impulsivity are adequately addressed.
Parole Decision and Future Steps
After reviewing the psychological report, victim statements, and behavioural assessments, the Parole Board declined parole for Dick‑Karetai. The board determined that additional time is necessary for him to complete individual treatment modules, possibly transfer to a facility offering greater reintegrative opportunities, and develop a concrete release plan that addresses risk management. The next parole hearing has been scheduled for February 2026. In the interim, the board requested an updated psychological evaluation to clarify the rationale behind the low stalking‑risk rating, seeking assurance that any remission of risk is based on demonstrable progress rather than superficial compliance.
This summary expands on the original news report, providing contextual detail, analysis of legal and psychological aspects, and insight into the victims’ experiences while adhering to the requested length and formatting.