Gosche ignores Kawerau family

Tony Ryall
National Corrections Spokesman

28 January 2003

Gosche ignores Kawerau family

Corrections says it will not prevent Renee Rooney from staying next to the Hunt family of Kawerau, says National Corrections Spokesman Tony Ryall. "The Hunt family is being fobbed off with outrageous arrogance by the Corrections Department and their Minister.

"Corrections staff met with the family this afternoon but told the family that Corrections will not do anything to address their concerns. "Mark Gosche has said publicly that he would phone this family but he has not done so. Instead he has sent low-level staff from Opotiki to see the family.

"Staff have told the Hunts that they will not shift Renee Rooney because her parole conditions expire in eight weeks. Instead, in complete arrogance, they have offered to arrange a meeting between the family and the offender in three weeks.

"I have written to Mark Gosche today asking that he call the Hunt family as he said he would. The family cannot accept that the Department will not apply for amended or extended parole conditions in this case.

"Section 15 of the Parole Act allows the Parole Board to set special conditions to provide for the concerns of victims, including the places of residence of the released offender," Mr Ryall said.

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