Law expert appointed to NZ Parole Board
AUT Associate Professor of Law Khylee Quince has been appointed to the New Zealand Parole Board (NZPB).
Khylee (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Porou, Te Roroa) is one of six new members whose appointments strengthen Māori and Pasifika representation of the NZPB.
They join 39 current members who make up the statutory body.
The five other new appointees are: criminal justice advocate Sir Kim Workman KNZM, QSO (NgātiKahungunu, Rangitaane); barrister Serina Bailey; Roku Mihinui (Tūhourangi, Ngāti Tūwharetoa,); Tania Sharkey; and Carolina Tiumalu.
NZPB chairman, Sir Ron Young, says Māori and Pacific Islanders continue to be overrepresented in prisons, so it is important to have strong Māori and Pacific Board members.
“The new members are very accomplished in their work. Not only will they bring their professional expertise, but also a deep understanding of the cultural issues faced by the offenders we see.”
“By having a mix of backgrounds and perspective we are better placed in our decision-making to take into account what can sometimes be complex cultural needs,” said Sir Ron.
Professor Charles Rickett, Dean of AUT’s Law School, says the appointment is a fitting endorsement of Khylee’s legal contributions both academically and in the sector at large.
“The appointment to the NZPB brings well-deserved recognition for Khylee’s valuable work as an AUT academic and as the Law School’s Director of Māori and Pacific Advancement, as well as her expertise as a legal adviser and practitioner.”
The Parole Board holds more than 9000 hearings a year for prisoners who have reached their parole eligibility date.
It makes public safety decisions about the managed release of long-term prisoners. Parole aids reintegration, by permitting eligible offenders to finish their sentence in the community, subject to conditions set by the Board.