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15 Jan 2026 18:15
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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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