Peter Waihape, Rapist and Murderer, Denied Early Release by Parole Board

A man who raped and murdered a sex worker, then ran her over with his car and threw her body into a river, has been denied early release by the New Zealand Parole Board. Despite some recent steps toward rehabilitation, Peter Waihape remains a high-risk individual for reoffending, according to the board's report.

A History of Violence and Abuse

In December 2005, Peter Waihape was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum non-parole period of 18 years for the murder, abduction, and rape of a 24-year-old sex worker in Christchurch. The victim had agreed to meet Waihape in a carpark, but the encounter quickly turned violent. After an argument about the use of a condom, Waihape strangled the woman, bound her hands, and raped her before pushing her out of the car and running her over multiple times with his vehicle. Witnesses reported that Waihape laughed as he did so. He later drove her body to the Avon River and threw it into the water.

Three days before the murder, Waihape had sexually assaulted a teenager whom he abducted off the street. He drove the girl around for several hours before violating her and then dropping her off. Waihape had been released from prison just days before the attack.

Recent Steps Toward Rehabilitation

Waihape first became eligible for parole in January 2024, but the Parole Board expressed serious concerns about him. In his latest appearance before the board, he reported that he had been seeing a psychologist fortnightly and had completed 20 sessions—a significant change from his previous refusal to engage in psychological treatment since 2014. The board noted that he had made early progress but remains a high risk for violent and sexual reoffending.

The psychologist who has been working with Waihape reported that he has good conduct in prison and generally interacts well with others, though he tends to walk away when frustrated. He is now accepting that he needs help, according to the board's ruling. Waihape has made changes in his thinking and behavior, and he has learned to manage stressful situations by not engaging with them directly.

Despite these positive developments, the Parole Board has declined to grant him parole at this time. Waihape will be reviewed again in one year. The board emphasized the importance of building trust with others and communicating about his inner world, noting that Waihape still has significant work ahead to address his behavior.

Resources for Survivors of Sexual Violence

If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual violence, there are several organizations that can provide support:

• Sexual Violence NZ Police
• Victim Support: 0800 842 846
• Rape Crisis: 0800 88 33 00
• Rape Prevention Education
• Empowerment Trust
• HELP (Auckland): 09 623 1700, (Wellington): 04 801 6655
• Safe to Talk: 0800 044 334
• Tautoko Tāne Male Survivors Aotearoa
• Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP): 022 344 0496

The case of Peter Waihape highlights the complex and ongoing challenges faced by the justice system in dealing with repeat violent offenders. While some progress has been made, the board's decision underscores the need for continued efforts in rehabilitation and the protection of the public.