New Zealand Parole Board Media Release

RAYMOND RATIMA PAROLE DECLINED

25 July 2003

The Parole Board declined parole for Raymond Ratima at its hearing on 24 July 2003.

The Board will meet again in a month, when it will make a decision on a postponement order for Mr Ratima for a period of up to three years.

The Board can make a postponement order on an offender under section 27 of the Parole Act 2002, if it "...is satisfied that, in the absence of a significant change in the offender's circumstances, an offender will not be suitable for release at the time when he or she is next due to be considered for parole,...".

In the case of an offender serving an indeterminate sentence, such as life imprisonment, a postponement order can be for up to three years.

The Board must give Mr Ratima at least 14 days notice that it is considering a postponement order. This is to give him time to make written submissions to the Board about whether the order should be made, and to engage legal counsel. The Board also has to hold a hearing at which Mr Ratima may make oral submissions, either in person or through counsel.

If the Board makes a postponement order on Mr Ratima, he may apply to the Board at any time requesting consideration for parole on the grounds that there has been a significant change in his circumstances.

ENDS

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