Hawke’s Bay Human Trafficker Granted Parole After Decades in Prison

The New Zealand Parole Board approved the release of Joseph Matamata, a man convicted of historical enslavement and human trafficking, on April 5, 2024, after 23 years in prison, according to a statement from the Ministry of Justice.

Matamata, 58, was sentenced in 2001 to 23 years for trafficking multiple individuals from the Cook Islands and Niue to New Zealand, where they were subjected to forced labor and sexual exploitation, according to court records. The Parole Board cited his “mature behavior” and “rehabilitation” as factors in the decision, though it acknowledged the “gravity of his crimes.”

A spokesperson for the Parole Board stated, “The board considers all aspects of a prisoner’s conduct, including their behavior during incarceration and their potential risk to the community. Mr. Matamata’s case was reviewed under the standard criteria for parole eligibility.”

Victim advocacy groups condemned the decision. The Human Trafficking Foundation, a New Zealand-based organization, released a statement calling the parole “deeply troubling,” noting that Matamata’s victims had not received formal apologies or compensation. “This outcome sends a message that such crimes can be forgiven after decades, disregarding the lasting trauma,” the statement said.

Matamata’s release is subject to conditions, including regular check-ins with probation officers and restrictions on his movements. A Ministry of Justice official confirmed that the department is monitoring his reintegration but did not provide further details.

The case has reignited debates about New Zealand’s approach to historical human trafficking convictions. In 2022, the government introduced a task force to address unresolved cases from the 1990s and early 2000s, but critics argue that systemic gaps remain in supporting victims and holding perpetrators accountable.

Matamata’s parole hearing was held in Wellington, where the Parole Board’s regional office is based. The board’s full rationale for the decision has not been publicly released, and no immediate appeals have been announced.

The next step for the justice system is to determine whether Matamata’s release will be subject to public scrutiny or additional oversight. A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said, “All parole decisions are made with the safety of the public in mind, and we will continue to assess any developments in this case.”