By 3 News online staff
Wepa, 38, was sentenced to life in prison in 1997 for murdering Caroline Gardiner in Porirua, stabbing her 50 times and throwing her down a bank.
While in prison, she was charged with almost biting off an inmate’s nipple during a fight, and has escaped twice.
Parole Board panel convenor Judge David Carruthers said Wepa had been assessed as having a moderate to high risk of offending, but she had been doing well in a release-to-work programme, Fairfax NZ reported.
The Parole Board decision said Wepa had been working for a painting company in the release-to-work programme and having temporary releases for up to 48 hours.
Her boss had described her as “outstanding” and the board decided she was able to “manage her risk factors appropriately”.
However Mr Carruthers said Wepa needed to continue to take medication on her release.
She was having some tattoos removed to help her in her new life.
3 News
source: newshub archive
