One of NZ's most notorious killers was released from prison yesterday and was later enjoying freedom on the balcony of his new Auckland home.

David Tamihere was this morning released from prison after 20 years behind bars for the murders of Heidi Paakkonen and Urban Hoglin.

Radio Live host John Tamihere has defended the innocence of his brother, soon-to-be-released convicted double murderer David Tamihere, on his radio show today.

David Tamihere, who was convicted of the murder of two Swedish backpackers, has been granted parole after serving nearly 20 years in prison and will be released on November 15.

The man who bashed James Whakaruru repeatedly until he died, aged 4, will spend Christmas a free man - despite fears he will reoffend.

Double murderer David Tamihere made his 14th appearance before the parole board today. But what was the decision?

The Parole Board has had to apologise to convicted paedophile Graham Capill and his victims after it botched up details in a written decision denying him parole.

The rapist of a 75-year-old woman has walked into a police station waving an axe and begging to be sent back to jail.

A man who is now a marriage guidance counsellor threw his wife into a door frame, splitting her head open, then dragged her down the hall.

The Parole Board believes former Christian Heritage Party Leader Graham Capill is still a risk to the community.

The Parole Board held 4546 hearings last year and declined to release offenders in 70.6 pc, the board says in its annual report, released today.