News | Law and Order
17 Jan 2026 14:54
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  •   Home > News > Law and Order

    A man who spent 30 years behind bars from the age of 19, took his own life months after being released

    A man who spent 30 years behind bars from the age of 19, took his own life months after being released


    Open Justice reports Lee Rawiri Kohiti went to prison for his cousin's murder in 1995 and was released to a Hamilton facility for parolees last year.

    A Coroner's report has now found Kohiti largely kept to himself and had no visitors while he was there.

    He'd told his supervisor and probation staff he wanted to go back to prison - in the weeks before his death in late July.

    Coroner Bruce Hesketh recommends better support for long term prisoners transitioning back to society - noting several have committed suicide following their release.

    © 2026 Newstalk ZB, NZCity

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    An additional OCR cut is not expected for a while, and there even could be a hike 13:47

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    Entertainment:
    Mel B used to babysit Micah Richards when he was growing up in Leeds 13:23

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    The third youngest finalist in the modern history of the men's ASB Classic wants to put his name alongside the greats 13:07

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    Law and Order:
    Northland Police are calling out for more recruits and are trying to convince southern officers to join their ranks 12:27

    Entertainment:
    Timothy Busfield has insisted the child sexual abuse allegations against him are "all lies" 12:23


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