If you'd like a copy of the weekend's programme, look HERE. Also, if you like to go up on the Sunday to the District Assembly, HERE is a copy for your interest.
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Welcome to Eastern Hutt Rotary's e-Bulletin.
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Last Meeting: Alistair Spierling, Manager of the NZ Parole Board.
Alistair started with the social welfare 26 years ago and was appointed to this position in 2002. It’s a truly independent body, appointed by the Governor-General and chaired by Justice Warwick Gendall, QC.
Its principal role is to decide whether offenders are an "undue risk to the safety of the community". Astonishingly, they have up to 6,500 parole hearings a year! Reports are no longer in paper files but are digitally documented onto iPads. A staff of 23 prepare the documentation for each Hearing and submit to Board Members in advance for each parole meeting.
In 98% of cases, the offender will know the Board’s decision before they leave the Hearing. At times overlooked, victims need to be on the Victim Notification List and will normally know the outcome of the Hearing before the offender knows...and of course the media.
He finished sharing his experience visiting San Quentin State Penitentiary where there is 748 there on Death Row and a chilling reminder that, “The victims' journey never ends.”
Week's Parting Thought:
"Before you get married you should meet your fiancee's parents; it's not enough that you like the Parole Officer."
"Marriage is like pleading guilty to an indefinite sentence - without Parole." ~ John Mortimer
On Anzac Day, I was privileged to lay a wreath on behalf of the Club, at the service on the Anzac Memorial Plaza. Our thanks to the generosity of Rob Sinclair for providing the wreath materials and the hands of Helen Renor who prepared it.
Please study and plan ahead, especially if you are on duty to write a Bulletin Contribution. A reminder that it's also your responsibility to find a replacement if you are unable to fulfil your duty.
Eastern Hutt Rotary e-Bulletin
We meet at Avalon Pavilion, Taita Drive entrance, Mondays, at 5:55 pm
Visitors and prospective members always welcome.
For catering purposes, prior notice is appreciated