⚠️ Content Warning: This article contains descriptions of sexual violence and trauma, which may be distressing to some readers.
Peter Niko, who was jailed for 11 years and six months for the brutal rape of a 65-year-old Porirua woman in 2016, has again been denied parole.
The New Zealand Parole Board released its decision today, stating that Niko was still unable to explain why he committed the crime and remained a high risk to others.
Niko tricked his way into the pensioner’s home on June 17, 2016, claiming to be looking for his daughter. He then bound, gagged, and sexually assaulted her for four hours, leaving her fearing for her life. Before leaving, he threatened to “cut her into pieces” and told her to clean up any evidence.
At sentencing, Justice Robert Dobson described the attack as “exceptionally cruel” and said Niko’s actions had left the woman in a “prison of her own for the rest of her life.”
The Parole Board noted that Niko, now nearly nine years into his sentence, had a medium risk of reoffending and a high risk of harming others. He was first eligible for parole in January 2024 but was denied. In its latest review, the board stated that Niko still could not explain his offending and was not seeking early release.
For the first time, the board also revealed Niko’s prior convictions—two counts of sexual offending against a girl aged 12 to 16 in 2005, for which he was jailed for six months.
Niko will remain in prison and is set to appear before the board again later this year. His full sentence expires in December 2027.
If you or someone you know needs support, you can contact:
- Safe to Talk – Sexual harm helpline: 0800 044 334 or text 4334
- Women’s Refuge – 0800 733 843
- Lifeline – 0800 543 354
- Victim Support – 0800 842 846