Joseph Matamata, the first New Zealander convicted of slavery, has been denied parole for a fifth time after threatening a fellow prisoner. The parole board revoked a previous decision to release Matamata on July 6 following reports that he told another inmate he was going to “f**k you up,” according to board proceedings.
Did You Know? Joseph Matamata, also known as Viliamu Samu, was sentenced in 2020 to 11 years in prison for enslaving 13 people between 1994 and 2019.
Matamata’s Defense Regarding Prison Threats
During a hearing on Friday, Matamata spoke via a Samoan interpreter to explain the confrontation. He claimed his limited English proficiency meant he didn’t understand the words he used, describing the exchange as “con slang” or “prison talk.”
Matamata told the board he was repeating phrases used by other inmates and intended the remarks as a joke. He stated it was not his intention to scare or threaten anyone.
Parole board chair Jan Doogue questioned this claim, noting that Matamata had been charged and found guilty of threatening to assault another prisoner. Doogue asked why Matamata did not “walk away” from the situation, as he had promised the board during a previous appearance.
Conflict at Auckland South Correctional Facility
The dispute occurred while Matamata was residing at a self-care house at the Auckland South Correctional Facility in Wiri. Matamata attributed the argument to a disagreement over missing supermarket groceries among residents.
He told the board he chose to address the issue with the other man rather than retreating to his room because he wanted to “talk to the brother.” He maintained the disagreement “wasn’t heavy.”
Slavery Convictions and Legal History
Matamata’s original 2020 sentence stemmed from his use of matai status to recruit Samoan workers for horticulture work in Hastings. According to court records, he forced these workers into 14-hour days without pay and subjected them to beatings.
Beyond the slavery charges, Matamata faced 10 counts of human trafficking. The Court of Appeal later nullified two of those convictions.
Future Parole Eligibility
Board member Campbell Roberts asked Matamata how he would change his attitude if released. Matamata replied that he would no longer use the power he once held, stating that his past actions affected his family and the victims.
He told the board he intends to focus exclusively on his immediate family, attending church and reading the Bible. Following a brief deliberation, the board declined his parole. Matamata may apply for parole again in October.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Joseph Matamata?
He is a Hawke’s Bay contractor, also known as Viliamu Samu, and the first New Zealander convicted of slavery for the exploitation of 13 Samoan workers.
Why was Matamata’s July 6 release cancelled?
The parole board revoked the decision after Matamata made threatening remarks to another prisoner, specifically telling the individual he was going to “f**k you up.”
What was the nature of the slavery charges?
Between 1994 and 2019, Matamata used his matai status to bring workers to Hastings, where he forced them to work 14-hour days without pay and beat them.
Do you believe linguistic misunderstandings should be considered a mitigating factor in prison disciplinary hearings?
Related reading