The daughter of an elderly murdered couple is angry that it took an anonymous tip-off and media inquiries, before she was officially told the killer of her parents has a job outside prison.
Gresham Marsh is serving a life sentence for murdering John and Josie Harrisson in their rural Waikato home in 1994.
From Monday, Marsh will spend two days per week working outside prison in the Milton area in Otago.
The Harrisson's daughter, Margaret Jamieson, said she learned of the decision in an anonymous email at Easter.
She was then phoned by reporters, before the Corrections Department was able to confirm the rumour.
Mrs Jamieson says the situation is disgraceful.
The department maintains it has followed its notification process.
Marsh and his co-offender Leith Ray told the police they killed the pensioners for a thrill. Both men are serving life sentences.
Listen to more
Victim Support believes Mrs Jamieson is owed an apology.