The father of a teenager murdered with a hammer in Hawke's Bay - has forgiven her killer

32-year-old Jimmy Heremaia was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum 12 year non parole, over 18-year-old Ariki Rigby's death.

Her body was found in a burnt out car September 2022.

Open Justice reporter Ric Stevens says Peta Rigby's victim impact statement was powerful.

Stevens says he turned to the dock and said 'I forgive you Jimmy, have a good life'.

The judge later acknowledged it would have been a long journey for Ariki's father to get there.