Naufahu learns jail gate must stay shut

Kiwi Comancheros boss Pasilika Naufahu will remain behind bars in Auckland after he was denied parole in his first chance of freedom in years.

Naufahu, a 501 deportee, appeared before the parole board this month at Auckland Prison in Paremoremo, a decision from panel convener Neville Trendle shows.

Naufahu is serving a nine-year sentence for participating in an organised criminal group, conspiring to deal in a Class B controlled drug, money laundering, unlawful possession of ammunition and assault.

He has a statutory release date of July 6, 2026, but became eligible for parole on May 11.

The gang boss also has a number of convictions in Australia, and was convicted of assaulting a prisoner while on remand, earning him and two fellow senior gang members another three months on their sentence.

“The offending that brought him to prison concerned Mr Naufahu’s participation in a significant drug-dealing conspiracy,” Trendle’s decision said.

“He was identified as the president of the Comancheros Motorcycle Club and in sentencing the judge noted his leading role in the criminal organisation involved in the laundering of money derived most likely from the sale of drugs.”

The decision noted Naufahu was set to participate in a rehabilitation programme, but due to Covid restrictions in prison this did not go ahead. Several supporters attended the hearing and Naufahu had “character references” from other inmates.

Trendle said when the board assessed Naufahu’s risk to the safety of the community it must take into account the likelihood of re-offending and the nature and seriousness of any likely future criminal activity.

“We fall well short on both counts of being satisfied that he meets the statutory criteria for release on parole.”

The board declined to grant parole, saying he needed a high level of rehabilitation.