COVID-19
NZPB update - 13 May 2020
The New Zealand Parole Board moved to AVL (audio-visual link) hearings from 4 May 2020, as part of its COVID-19 response plans. Under Alert Level 2, AVL hearings will continue and the situation will be reviewed regularly.
“It is pleasing that the Board was able to return to a more normal style of hearing, and I want to thank everyone involved in the parole process for their cooperation during the past month,” said NZPB chairperson Sir Ron Young.
Under Alert Level 2, Corrections will be facilitating in-person legal visits, including attendance of counsel at Parole Board hearings, on request.
Whānau and support people cannot yet support prisoners in person for a hearing at present. However, support people can email a submission into the Board if they wish to provide input.
AVL hearings are being made possible from select Community Corrections sites around the country.
The NZPB is working on a plan to reintroduce the option for registered victims to make oral submissions face-to-face with the Board.
To ensure the safety and wellbeing of all parties, we will be guided by the latest Government and Ministry of Health advice for Alert Level 2. More information will be available soon.