Roger Kahui Denied Parole and Refuses Prison Programs: What’s Next?
By Jeremy Wilkinson, Open Justice reporter of
Roger Kahui, one of New Zealand’s most notorious rapists, has been denied parole once again for refusing to engage with psychologists, case managers, or participate in any rehabilitative programs during his incarceration. Convicted in 2007 for multiple charges including rape, kidnap, and sexual violence, Kahui’s heinous crimes have left a lasting impact on his victims and society as a whole.
Details of the Crime
In a brutal attack in 2006, Kahui knocked on the door of a 37-year-old woman’s Pukekohe home under the guise of needing to use the phone. He then proceeded to violently assault and rape her over a span of four hours, forcing her to watch and re-enact scenes from a pornographic film and even handcuffing her before attempting to withdraw cash from an ATM. Thankfully, the victim managed to escape and seek help, leading to Kahui’s arrest and subsequent conviction.
The severity of Kahui’s crimes led to his sentencing of preventive detention, with an initial non-parole period of 16 years reduced to 13 years on appeal. Despite multiple appearances before the Parole Board, Kahui has shown little to no progress in his rehabilitation efforts and continues to deny many of his convictions for sexual offenses.
Refusal to Engage
Throughout his time in prison, Kahui has demonstrated a reluctance to work with psychologists and case managers, rejecting any opportunities to participate in the Special Treatment Unit Programs designed to address his violent and sexual tendencies. Despite the board’s encouragement for him to seek help through the Adult Sex Offender Treatment Programme and Violence and Drug Treatment Programme, Kahui’s lack of cooperation has hindered any prospects of early release.
Impact on Victims
The victim of Kahui’s heinous crimes has spoken out about her ongoing trauma and fear of his potential parole. Describing the experience as a “time bomb ticking down,” she expressed her concerns about constantly looking over her shoulder if Kahui were to be released. His history of misconducts and continued violent behavior in prison only add to the victim’s anxiety and the community’s apprehension about his potential reintegration into society.
As Kahui’s parole remains denied, the board has set a future review date for late 2026, emphasizing the need for significant progress in his rehabilitation efforts before any consideration for release. The impact of his crimes serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing trauma faced by survivors of sexual assault and the importance of seeking help and support in times of need.
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault or abuse, it’s essential to reach out for help and support. Organizations like Safe to Talk provide confidential assistance 24/7, ensuring that survivors have access to the resources they need to heal and recover from traumatic experiences. Remember, you are not alone, and help is available when you need it most.
The road to justice and healing for survivors of sexual harm is a challenging one, but with the right support and resources, it’s possible to find hope and strength in the face of adversity. Let us stand together as a community to support survivors, hold perpetrators accountable, and work towards a safer, more just society for all.