A notorious mass murderer has been denied parole for the 17th time

Raymond Wahia Ratima killed seven people - including three of his young children - in Masterton in 1992.

He also killed his brother-in-law, his heavily pregnant sister-in-law, her partner, and their son.

The board ignored his plea he's no longer a danger to society, and indeed to other family members.

But appeared open to a future release, once Ratima spends time at a minimum security classification, under new rehabilitation measures.

His next hearing's in January 2027.