'A relief': Family react as Emma-Jane Kupa's killer denied parole
The mother of 11-year-old Emma-Jane Kupa says her family felt “relief” when they learned the driver jailed for killing their daughter had been denied parole.
But their fight for what they believe is a tougher justice system is far from over.
Terina Pineaha was sentenced to four years and five months in prison in July last year after pleading guilty to the manslaughter of Emma-Jane, who was killed while cycling along Chatham Rd in Flaxmere on January 30, 2025.
Pineaha had been drinking, using methamphetamine and driving at nearly twice the speed limit on the wrong side of the road when she struck Emma-Jane.
She also admitted dangerous driving, excess breath alcohol, failing to stop and wilful damage.
On Thursday, mother Shannon Davis, father George Kupa and two of their sons travelled from Hawke’s Bay to Wellington for Pineaha’s parole hearing.
The hearing came two weeks after what would have been Emma-Jane’s 13th birthday, on July 10.
Davis said returning for another stage of the justice process was “emotional”.
“We wanted to go there to have our say to make sure she doesn’t get out,” Davis said.
Pineaha was not present at the hearing.
The family travelled back to Hastings without knowing whether she would be released.
About 4pm, shortly after they arrived home, a phone call brought the news they had been waiting for: parole had been declined.
“We were in pain. It was a relief.”
The New Zealand Parole Board said its decision was not yet publicly available and that Pineaha’s next hearing was scheduled for July next year.
“We’re just happy knowing she will remain in prison for now,” Davis said.
“Every time she applies for parole, we’ll be there to make sure that she does not get out. To make sure that she serves her time in prison.
“No matter what, I will continue to fight for my baby.”
Davis said the sentence remained a source of anger.
“Four years and five months for a child’s life? A child’s life here in New Zealand doesn’t matter.”
The family, who had been campaigning for change since Pineaha was sentenced, launched a 5000-signature petition calling for action over what they claim was an inadequate prison term.
The campaign was not only about Emma-Jane.
“I don’t want another family to go through the same thing that we are.”
A tribute to Emma-Jane Kupa at her family's home in Flaxmere. Her mother, Shannon Davis, says the family will continue fighting for justice.
A family still grieving
Emma-Jane’s two brothers, now aged 18 and 8, travelled with their parents to Wellington for the hearing.
Her youngest son still did not fully understand what had happened, and became upset when his parents did not explain why the family was at the hearing.
Davis said they were trying to protect him until they felt the time was right.
“My baby, he does have nightmares about it, and I just don’t want to trigger anything.”
Emma-Jane was riding her bike alongside her older sister, who was on a scooter, when she was struck.
At Pineaha’s sentencing last year, Davis told the court her older daughter was left with the memory of the screeching tyres and seeing her sister being hit.
She said her daughter would always be remembered as “just a beautiful innocent girl”.
“Forever 11.”
Rafaella Melo has more than 10 years of experience as a journalist in Brazil. She has worn many hats, from radio and TV presenter and producer to magazine editor before joining the Hawke’s Bay Today team as a multimedia journalist.
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