A man jailed for the rape and murder of an Auckland woman more than two decades ago has taken the first step to reopening the case.
Teina Pora's lawyer has applied for a Royal Prerogative of Mercy for the case of the murder and rape of Susan Burdett.
Ms Burdett was found dead in her Papatoetoe home after being beaten to death with a bat she kept under her bed.
In 1994, Teina Pora was convicted of her rape.
He was re-trialled after DNA from serial rapist Malcolm Rewa was linked to the scene.