Teina Pora wants court to review Govt wrongful imprisonment payout

Teina Pora has filed proceedings asking the court to review the Government's decision not to add inflation to $2.5 million compensation paid to him for wrongful imprisonment.

His team advised today that an application for a judicial review has been filed in the High Court in Wellington.

In June, Cabinet agreed to pay compensation to Pora, who spent nearly 22 years in prison.

On the advice of retired High Court judge Rodney Hansen, QC, a lump sum was paid.

Hansen advised that an additional amount to take effect for inflation should be considered and that not to do so would be anomalous and unjust.

Cabinet on the recommendation of Justice Minister Amy Adams decided not to provide an adjustment for inflation.

"We think the decision is flawed and we want the High Court in Wellington to review that decision," Pora's adviser Tim McKinnel said.

"The only question he's ever asked us is 'has this process been fair to me?' And if it hasn't, what can I do about it."

Justice Minister Amy Adams speaks to the media about the apology to Teina Pora after being wrongfully jailed for a crime he did not commit. Photo / Marty Melville

McKinnel said that Pora was doing OK but in some respects was struggling to make his way in the world.

"He has good days and bad days. It's not been easy for him. He spent 22 years in prison with hardened criminals. It's going to take a long time to work out where he fits in the world and how he should live his life."

Pora was twice wrongly convicted of the 1992 rape and murder of Susan Burdett.

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