A man jailed for kicking to death a 14-year-old boy in downtown Wellington in 1999 is to be freed from prison for a fourth time.
Stephen Smith was one of two men jailed for murdering Jeff Whittington in an apparent gay-hate crime.
Smith has been let out of jail three times before but recalled on each occasion.
The Parole Board said he is now a compliant and reliable inmate in all respects.
The board said Smith has been having extensive one-to-one psychological counselling over the past year which has enhanced his skills to help him manage high risk situations - including alcohol abuse.
It has directed Smith to be released from prison next month, subject to 11 special conditions.
These include an overnight curfew, and a ban on contact with his co-offender or the victim's family.