Full Breakdown
New Zealand Bill Aims to Block Parole for Murderers Who Conceal Victims’ Remains
5/7/2026, 4:33:38 AM
Legislative Proposal to Deny Parole for Offenders Who Conceal Victims’ Remains
In October 2024, MP Tom Rutherford introduced the Concealment of Location of Victim Remains Bill to Parliament. It would block parole for murderers who refuse to reveal a victim’s location, reflecting the government’s “tough on crime, victims-first” agenda.
Background and Catalytic Cases
The bill draws on two cases of undiscovered bodies. In 2017, David Benbow murdered Christchurch builder Michael McGrath, concealed the body and received a life sentence with a 17-year minimum non-parole period. In 2003, Mark Pakenham killed Sara Niethe, hid her remains, received a six-year-seven-month manslaughter term and was released on parole in 2016. Both illustrate parole despite families’ lack of closure.
Key Figures and Stakeholders
MP Tom Rutherford, the sponsor, cites families such as Simon McGrath (brother of Michael McGrath) and Dion Chamberlain (son of Sara Niethe). The New Zealand Government backs the bill as part of a “victims-first” agenda. It mirrors conceal-remains laws enacted in the United Kingdom (2020) and New South Wales (2022).
Data and Statistics
- David Benbow: life sentence, 17-year minimum non-parole.
- Mark Pakenham: six-year-seven-month manslaughter term; parole 2016.
- UK law (2020) and NSW law (2022) introduced similar conceal-remains provisions.
- The New Zealand bill would block parole for any offender who refuses to disclose a victim’s location.
Why the Bill Matters
Proponents say denying parole to concealers pressures offenders to reveal burial sites, offering families closure and supporting a victims-first criminal-justice approach. The measure also serves as a deterrent, making non-disclosure carry a penalty beyond the original sentence.
Official Statements and Government Position
Rutherford said the legislation reflects the government’s “tough on crime, victims first approach” and would deny parole to offenders who “selfishly” withhold closure. He added the bill moves the justice system “one step closer” to prioritising victims over offenders. The government backs the proposal as part of its victims-centred reforms.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Photo / Supplied He said the bill intends to deny offenders the opportunity for parole while they “selfishly” withhold closure for victims’ families.” — Tom Rutherford, MP
- “It also reflects this Government’s tough on crime, victims first approach,” — Tom Rutherford, MP
- “I’m proud that today we are one step closer to helping families in New Zealand facing similar situations, ensuring our justice system prioritises victims over offenders.” — Tom Rutherford, MP
- “I want my mother back,” — Dion Chamberlain, son of Sara Niethe
What's Next
The bill has been introduced to Parliament.
