Labour MP's half-brother sentenced to life for partner's murder

The half-brother of Labour MP Kiri Allan has been sentenced to life in prison for murder with a minimum non-parole period of 14 years.

Eric Mete admitted to killing his partner Lorna-Anne Marie Thompson in April 2019 and on Friday the public gallery was packed for his sentencing.

The court heard how 51-year-old Mete and Thompson had been in an on-and-off relationship for six to eight months which ended when Mete violently attacked her during an argument at a central Whanganui flat.

"At the time of offending you were coming off a five-day period of extensive drug use," the court heard.

"You became enraged and struck Ms Thompson numerous times in the face, aiming at her nose and eyes."

Thompson, a mother-of-five, died of her injuries and the summary of facts read out in court revealed Mete chose to consume meth and cannabis instead of calling for help.

Her body lay in the apartment for four days before Mete told a family member what he had done and they called police.

On Friday Thompson's mother demanded Mete look her in the eyes as she described the loss of her daughter as devastating and unbelievable in her victim impact statement.

Thompson's brother said his actions brought shame to his community, whanau and bloodline.

Mete's half-sister Labour MP Kiri Allan told Newshub she didn't want to comment on Friday but did speak to media soon after the murder. 

"It's been an extremely trying time for our whanau and our thoughts and all our aroha have been with the victim and her whanau," Allan said.

Justice Cooke sentenced Mete to life in prison with a minimum non-parole period of 14 years.