In keeping with a desire to make Board processes more transparent to the media and public, the Board has appointed its first full-time Communications Manager.
The role involves daily contact with the news media and development of other initiatives to increase their understanding of the Board’s activities.
The Board received more than 250 media enquiries during the year. The bulk of these related to high-profile offenders appearing before the Board or offenders who had been released and re-offended. A more proactive approach to the release of decisions and conditions has resulted in an increasingly positive relationship with the news media. The general policy is to release decisions in full (subject to any privacy issues) once all parties to a hearing have been informed.
Two ongoing projects will be useful in enhancing understanding of the Board and its activities. These are:
Website - A Board Internet site has been developed and went online on an interim basis in mid-June 2004. The full site will be available in August 2004. It will include recent Board decisions, and general information on the Board’s procedures and decision-making processes. The site can be accessed at www.paroleboard.govt.nz
Documentary - The Board and the Department of Corrections are facilitating and working with a documentary-maker to provide access to offenders, hearings and victims for a television programme outlining Board activities. This is expected to screen in late 2004 - early 2005.