David Tamihere seeks 'quite huge' compensation after murder charges dropped

Why This Matters

• The case raises questions about compensation for wrongful imprisonment in New Zealand, particularly for those who served long sentences before their convictions were overturned.
• The outcome could set a precedent for how the Crown handles compensation claims in high-profile historical cases.
• The amount sought by Tamihere, which he describes as "quite huge," may spark debate over the appropriate valuation of lost freedom.

Background

David Tamihere was convicted in 1990 for the 1989 murders of Swedish backpackers Heidi Paakkonen and Urban Höglin. He served 20 years in prison before his convictions were quashed. The Crown had been weighing a retrial but this week decided not to proceed, leading to his formal discharge by Justice Simon Mount. A compensation process, overseen by former High Court judge Hon Rodney Hansen, KC, is now underway.

Key Perspectives

[David Tamihere]: He argues he is entitled to substantial compensation for the two decades he spent in prison based on what would have been available at the time of his original conviction. [The Crown]: By withdrawing the charges and not seeking a retrial, the Crown has effectively accepted that Tamihere should not be further prosecuted. However, the compensation process is separate and will involve assessment under New Zealand law. [Critics/Skeptics]: Some may question the scale of compensation Tamihere is seeking, particularly given the serious nature of the original charges, though formal legal avenues will determine the final amount.

What to Watch

• The amount of compensation ultimately awarded and whether it aligns with Tamihere's expectations.
• Any public or political reaction to the size of the payout.
• The completion of the Hansen review and its recommendations.