New Zealand Parole Board -

Parole Hearing

Under section 21(2) of the Parole Act 2002

Jacqueline Elaine WIHONGI

Hearing: 2 July 2019

at Arohata Prison via AVL from Auckland Region Women’s Corrections Facility

Members of the Board:

• Judge J P Gittos QSO – Panel Convenor
• Mr C King
• Mr D Hauraki

Counsel:                                          

• Ms J Fyfe

Support Persons:

• [withheld]
• [withheld]

DECISION OF THE BOARD

1. Jacqueline Wihongi is a 42 year old woman serving a sentence of 12 years’ imprisonment for murder.  She was released on parole in May 2017 but recalled on 4 July 2018 for breaches of her release conditions.  The breaches concerned related to entering into an intimate relationship without prior approval by the probation officer, and failing to attend some psychologist sessions.
2. She has been seen by the Board since recall on 30 January and at that point a proposed release to reside at [withheld] was put forward and approved in principle but the Board considered that further work needed to be done in the prison by way of further one-on-one sessions with the psychologist.
3. She has now completed some four further sessions with the psychologist of a projected six this programme was interrupted by her having been moved to Wellington to Arohata Prison.  The psychologist now reports that no further sessions in prison will be necessary but a programme in the community could be carried out.
4. Ms Wihongi has a place available at [withheld].  She seeks parole and has given a satisfactory account of herself at interview.
5. We are satisfied that a further release on appropriate conditions can now be appropriately granted.  She is to be released accordingly, with effect from [withheld] July upon the following conditions, all of which are to continue to sentence end date:

   (1) Not to possess, use, or consume alcohol, controlled drugs or psychoactive substances except controlled drugs prescribed for you by a health professional.

   (2) To obtain the written approval of a Probation Officer before starting or changing your position and/or place of employment (including voluntary and unpaid work). To notify a Probation Officer if you leave your position of employment.

   (3) Subject to section 15(5) of the Parole Act 2002, to take any medication prescribed by a health professional in accordance with any directions given by the health professional.

   (4) To attend appointments with a mental health provider as directed by a Probation Officer.

   (5) To attend a psychological assessment and attend, participate in and complete any recommended treatment as directed by a Probation Officer.

   (6) To disclose to a Probation Officer, at the earliest opportunity, details of any intimate relationship which commences, resumes, or terminates.

   (7) To comply with any tenancy agreement or rules issued by the provider of your approved accommodation including any curfew.

   (8) To reside at [withheld] or any other address approved in writing by a Probation Officer, and not move from that address unless you have the prior written approval of a Probation Officer.

   (9) Not to have contact or otherwise associate, with any victim of your offending, [including previous offending] directly or indirectly, unless you have the prior written approval of a Probation Officer.

   (10) Not to enter Gisborne area as defined by a Probation Officer in writing unless you have the prior written approval of a Probation Officer.

   Please note: you may be required to undergo a drug or alcohol test and or submit to drug or alcohol monitoring.