Now Coroner Bruce Hesketh has released his findings into Kohiti’s death, and issued recommendations about the release of long-term prisoners. Kohiti was released to a residence set up for parolees, run by Anglican Action Manaaki Atu, and he was required to wear an ankle bracelet. His supervisor at the facility said Kohiti didn’t display any health problems, except that he took pain medication for issues related to his lumbar spine. Coroner recommends long-term prisoners be marked ‘urgent’Coroner Hesketh noted there had been a number of suicides of former prisoners after their release from prison. Photo / Star NewsThe one exception was a man who took his own life nearly two years after being released but, like Kohiti, he was a life parolee and subject to strict release conditions.

Source: New Zealand Herald January 13, 2026 16:02 UTC