New Zealand Parole Board -

Parole Hearing

Under section 21(2) of the Parole Act 2002

Meha Hemi TAYLOR-HAEATA

Hearing: 15 February 2021

at Rimutaka Prison

via AVL to New Zealand Parole Board, Wellington

Members of the Board: Ms M Coleman – Panel Convenor

Mr P Elenio

Mr A Hackney

In Attendance: [withheld]

DECISION OF THE BOARD

1. Meha Hemi Taylor‑Haeata, who is 26, appeared before the Board today for the first consideration of parole on an 11-year sentence for rape and unlawful sexual of a woman over the age of 16, aggravated robbery, and burglary.
2. Mr Meha Taylor-Haeata’s statutory release date is 7 June 2028.
3. The victim of the sexual offending was subjected a serious and prolonged sexual attack by four men acting together.  In sentencing Mr Taylor-Haeata, the Judge said that he was the leader.  He made it clear that the victim was in his kingdom and was not free to leave.  The Judge also said that he exhibited no remorse.  The summary of facts and the Judge’s sentencing notes appeared to indicate that Mr Taylor-Haeata did not himself perpetrate any of the sexual offences against the victim, but was there at the time, was part the episode.
4. Mr Taylor-Haeata denies that he was there at the time of the offending.  He said that he was remanded in custody at the time and was informed by his lawyer that is the other men were pleading guilty to the offence.  This included Mr Taylor-Haeata’s brother who was one of the other accused.   Mr Taylor-Haeata said that it made him look bad if the others were pleading guilty and he did not and that was the reason behind his guilty pleas.
5. Mr Taylor-Haeata has not behaved well in prison at least until very recently.  He has a large number of misconduct and also at one IDU 1 status.  Since before Christmas however there have been no further misconducts.  The reason for his change in behaviour is that he knows that he needs to get home [withheld].  He speaks to them as often as he can, and they have been asking [withheld].
6. The psychologist assesses Mr Taylor-Haeata to be at high risk of future violence and general offending.  His risk of sexual re‑offending was not undertaken given his denial.  The plan recommended is for Mr Taylor-Haeata to undertake the Special Treatment Unit programme for violent offenders.  In order to assist him to reduce his security classification and to prepare him for that programme he will engage in a period of one-to-one work at first. There is also a recommendation for [withheld].
7. Mr Taylor-Haeata is motivated to undertake the STURP.  He has told the Board today that he would do whatever it takes to [withheld].
8. Parole today is declined.   He needs to complete treatment.  The Board will see him after the completion of the STURP.  Assuming he continues to manage his behaviour well, it appears as though he will be on programme starting in the middle of the year.
9. Mr Taylor-Haeata will be seen again in June 2022 and by the end of June 2022 at the latest.