Ngakurarangi Kohu Sentenced to 10 Months for Violent Defiance

A New Zealand woman has been sentenced to 10 months in prison after repeatedly defying legal orders, including a significant incident where she rammed a police vehicle. Ngakurarangi Kohu, aged 38, appeared before the Whangārei District Court to face multiple charges, which included theft and assault with a vehicle.

Kohu’s latest actions are part of a troubling pattern of behaviour marked by a series of legal violations. She previously cut off her electronic monitoring bracelet and failed to comply with directives from Corrections staff. This culminated in her driving away from two petrol stations, BP Wylies Whangārei and Caltex Dargaville, without paying for fuel in December 2024.

During her court appearance, Kohu was held accountable for a history of criminal activity that spans years. Her record includes numerous theft and burglary charges, as well as multiple breaches of court orders that mandated community service and bail conditions. These persistent violations contributed to the severity of her sentencing.

The court emphasized the need for accountability in cases of repeated defiance, as Kohu’s actions posed not only a risk to public safety but also undermined the judicial system’s authority. In light of her history and the nature of her crimes, the judge deemed a custodial sentence necessary to reflect the seriousness of her actions.

Kohu’s sentencing highlights ongoing concerns over recidivism and the challenges faced by both law enforcement and correctional systems in managing persistent offenders. As authorities continue to seek effective measures to address such behavioural patterns, cases like Kohu’s serve as a stark reminder of the complexities involved in the criminal justice landscape.