New Zealand Parole Board -

The Board is able to postpone parole hearings for up to five years for offenders on long-term sentences, if there is no realistic possibility of them being released.

Postponement orders of three, four or five years may be made for offenders serving a finite sentence of ten years or more, a life sentence, or preventive detention.

Offenders are given formal notice of the Board considering a postponement order prior to a hearing, and may make submissions.

Offenders have the right, under section 27(6) of the Parole Act, to apply for an earlier reconsideration of parole if they believe that that there has been a significant change in their circumstances during the postponement period.