Writing the Report - Recommendation

Probation officers must make a recommendation. It is possible that a single recommendation will include more than one sentence (e.g. HD and CW). The recommendation should be the natural conclusion of the report and should not come as a surprise to the reader of the report.

Recommend a specific sentence that is relevant to the information in the body of the report, keeping in mind the sentencing principles, purposes and guidelines. When recommending a sentence, include a minimum sentence length required to complete any programme and any special conditions attached to that sentence.

It is essential that the wording of the special conditions is specific, legal and enforceable. For more information, go to Wording of Special Conditions.

Note: For all rehabilitative sentences, include minimum length of sentence to complete any programmes or special conditions.

Tthe effect of any current sentences and whether any current community-based sentences should be cancelled.

See the table below for information to be included in the recommendation section for specific sentences:

Note: Sentences of come up if called upon; discharge with/without conviction, fine, and imprisonment (long) should simply be stated without additional detail or specification.

Housing New Zealand Tenancy Agreements

If an offender is proposing to move into a Housing New Zealand property where they are not the tenant, for three months or more, the tenant must obtain permission.

Housing New Zealand tenants must obtain written approval from Housing New Zealand for anyone to live with them for three months or longer.

The probation officer must check if the teancy agreement was granted after 22 February 2010.  if it was, the probation officer must request a copy of the written approval from Housing New Zealand for the offender to live at that address.

It is the responsibility of the tenant to obtain a copy of the tenancy agreement and/or permission fom Housing New Zealand for an offender to reside at the address.