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The rights of victims in relation to hearings conducted by the New Zealand Parole Board are clearly set out in the Parole Act 2002 and the Victims' Rights Act 2002. It is the duty of the Board to ensure that those rights are upheld.

A Board hearing can be a very stressful time for victims. The Board's role in giving 'due weight' to the views of victims is one we take very seriously. Through the hearings process the Board will ensure victims have the opportunity to receive information about, and provide input to, the Boards considerations of an offender's case - if they wish to do so. There can sometimes appear to be a bewildering array of information to digest in order to take part.

This area of the Board’s website explains the process from a victim's point of view - we hope to have made it as straightforward as possible.

Judge David Carruthers
Chairman, New Zealand Parole Board

Victims' Rights - contains information about the rights of a victim to give information to, and receive information from, the Board about an offender’s case.  All victims have certain rights to give and receive information but victims of some offences have a right to register their details to enable receipt of some information automatically.  The Board refers to these victims as 'registered victims'.

Notifications - is about the types of notification a victim can expect to receive from the Board before and after an offender's hearing.

Writing Submissions - contains important information for victims wanting to give information in writing to the Board about an offender's case.  It also contains guidelines about what to include in a written submission.

Victims' Hearings – provides information about how victims can make an oral submission to the Board.  An oral submission is where the victim gets to speak to the Board members considering an offender’s case.

After the Hearing – covers what type of information is available to victims after an offender’s hearing.

Support and Information – where to go for more information.