A West Coast man jailed for the killing of his former girlfriend has convinced the Parole Board he is now safe enough to be freed.
Paul Russell Wilson raped and murdered Kimberly Schroder in May 1994.
Ms Schroder's family has told the Parole Board they still grieve her loss and the horrendous circumstances of her death.
They oppose Wilson's release and doubt his remorse.
The board says Wilson accepts the family's position, but has professed deep sorrow for his actions and the pain inflicted.
Wilson's behaviour has been described as exemplary and faultless while on escorted shopping and work outings.
In January, he will be paroled to a residential course, for intensive therapy for at least a year.
Wilson's parole conditions also permanently ban him from visiting the West Coast and contacting his victim's family.