Alarm at rapist's release

One of the country's youngest rapists - who at 14 was tutored in stalking and raping - will be freed next month.

Corrections Minister Judith Collins said special conditions had been put in place to monitor and restrict the movement of Maka Renata, now 23, when he is released in early December.

A residents group has described him as a "time bomb", saying neighbours would be scared if he returned to his previous home town.

Renata was sentenced to 7 years' jail after pleading guilty in September 1999 to charges of rape, sexual violation, aggravated robbery and threatening to kill.

A 26-year-old Wellington woman was dragged into an alleyway, a knife was held to her throat and she was repeatedly raped then robbed by Renata and his foster caregiver and cousin, Dean Hiroki.

More than a year after being imprisoned, Renata was handed three more years for raping his 15-year-old best friend, also in prison.

He was due to be released more than two years ago. But the Corrections Department requested a special order under section 107(6) of the Parole Act 2002 to keep him in jail, because "he remains likely to commit a specified offence between the date of release and the applicable release date", according to a 2008 Parole Board report.

His last Parole Board hearing was held this week. A Parole Board official told the Herald on Sunday "Renata must be released in early December. The actual date will not be disclosed."

Minister of Justice Simon Power would not comment.

Corrections Minister Judith Collins said offenders considered high risk were managed strictly.

"An intensive plan has been put in place to manage this offender's reintegration, which involves police," she said.

"Agencies will be taking every step possible under the law to ensure the safety of the public."

Asked what guarantees she and the Government, would give the public, she said: "As Minister, the law prohibits me from directing Corrections or police to take any action with regards an individual offender.

"I understand this prisoner is nearing the end of his sentence and is entitled to be released. While there may be concerns, the law must be complied with.

"Action can be taken against him in the District Court if he breaches any of his release conditions."

A spokesman for Collins said Renata had six-month release conditions which were designed to protect the public.

A Corrections spokeswoman said the department was seeking to extend the conditions for Renata's release by applying for an "extended supervision order".

An extended supervision order is imposed by the courts and usually only in cases for offenders with sex crimes against children.

Sensible Sentencing Trust spokesman Garth McVicar said that was cold comfort.

The last place Renata and Hiroki lived, before both were jailed, was Porirua.

The city's Neighbourhood Support co-ordinator, John Earley, asked if he would be worried if Renata moved in next door, said, "I'd be scared. It's like a time bomb in many ways."

The Privacy Act restricts what communities can be told about former inmates.

Renata was 11 when he was first placed in foster care after years of emotional, sexual and physical abuse. He had a history of stealing and drinking.

At 14, social workers sent him to live with his cousin, Hiroki, who was a Mongrel Mob member and serial rapist.

David Fergusson, Otago University professor of psychological medicine, said there was little hope Renata would turn the corner.

"It is likely ... he'll be back in prison fairly quickly, probably for a violent crime," he said. "On the face of everything, he is unlikely to be rehabilitated, particularly if he has affirmed his gang connections.

"He's had a terrible life. It's truly shocking. Then he's had a prison socialisation. It's very hard to see how there are any opportunities for redemption for him, at this moment."