A mass murderer who killed seven of his family members, including his three young sons, has done a U-turn and admitted he intended to kill them

However, he won't say why he did it in the first place.

The Herald's Open Justice reports Raymond Ratima has made the comments during his 15th appearance before the Parole Board, in which he was once again denied parole.

He was jailed in 1993 following a murderous rampage in his hometown of Masterton.

Ratima will again appear before the Parole Board next year.