16 Aug 2012

MP and kaumatua say paroled sex offender needs support

9:49 pm on 16 August 2012

The MP for the Maori electorate of Te Tai Hauauru, Tariana Turia, is backing a local kaumatua who says a serial rapist will need help, when he settles in Whanganui.

Stuart Murray Wilson is being paroled in the city, causing some public outrage.

But Tariana Turia agrees with a local kaumatua, John Maihi, who believes the offender will need support.

She says she's not surprised by the generous attitude from some iwi members, who will be concerned about Wilson's wellbeing.

Ms Turia says she herself is not a retributive person, and has been trying to think of ways of assisting Wilson when he moves to Whanganui.