Upon hearing this, the board said Butler referred to a letter that was recorded in a Parole Board 2016 decision:
"I am totally remorseful and truly sorry for taking the life of my ex partner. I am very sorry she never had the chance to live a full and happy life as someone's daughter, mother, wife, cousin or friend.
"I have ruined the life of my family, myself and all the above. I can't begin to imagine the hurt they have for their loss and the hate they have for me.
"It was selfish of me to take her life. I really do realise that my sentence and time will never heal their pain. I can't find the words to express how sorry I am.
"I wasn't thinking about how many lives I would destroy or the consequences of my actions. I know they have reason to fear me but there is no need. I also regret subjecting everyone to a trial."
The witness asked Butler be banned from returning to the Bay of Plenty and electronically monitored. The board decided this was unecessary because of Butler's strict parole and accommodation conditions.
In the 2016 parole decision, Justice Frater said Butler had been housed in an open rehabilitation ward since September 2013 and had progressed to spending up to three nights in the community at a supervised mental health facility.
Butler had accepted the diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia and was compliant with all medication, the judge said.
The March 2017 decision said Butler also had an anxiety disorder, and alcohol and cannabis disorders in remission.
Justice Frater said Butler had made progress and changes in the past 20 years and had "impressive support" in the community. The board was satisfied that because of this Butler's moderate risk of violent offending could be managed.
Conditions imposed upon Mr Butler include:
- That he live at a withheld address and not move from there without approval of a probation officer,
- A curfew from 10pm to 6am,
- Get permission from a probation officer before gaining or making changes to his employment situation,
- Tell a probation officer about any intimate relationship he may enter into,
- Not to enter the Bay of Plenty without permission from a probation officer,
- To never consume alcohol or illegal drugs for the rest of his lifetime,
- To never have contact with any of his victims without approval of a probation officer.