A man who stabbed a pregnant woman to death when he was just 16 years old will be released from prison next month.

John Michael Wharekura murdered Rotorua woman Tanya Burr in 2002 by stabbing her in the chest, back and abdomen.

He had knocked on the 21-year-old's door and asked for a paper and pen before launching the frenzied attack.

Wharekura, one of New Zealand's youngest killers, did not know Burr, and murdered her for "no apparent reason", a Parole Board decision said.

Wharekura was sentenced in 2003 to life in prison for the murder, with a minimum non-parole period of 14 years.

He appeared before the Parole Board on August 10, where the board ordered he be released in September.

The board heard Wharekura had "developed insight into his mental health condition", the decision, released to Stuff on Saturday, said.

He had also completed alcohol and drug counselling, was playing sport and working in the joinery factory at Auckland Prison.

He was likely to be approved for the Release to Work programme in the near future, the board heard.

A psychological assessment, dated June 28, noted he had a "well-developed insight" with respect to his mental health issues.

Wharekura told the board maintaining his medication regime was his "first priority".

The decision said the board was satisfied he did not pose an undue risk to the safety of the community.

Upon release, Wharekura would be subject to a raft of special conditions, including engaging with Community Mental Health Services, attending a reintegration meeting, and abstaining from alcohol and drugs.

He was also ordered not to enter Palmerston North or Rotorua or contact Burr's family.

The decision says Wharekura would live with a person he respected upon his release, in an undisclosed location. He also had whānau support in the area.

"Whānau know well their responsibilities with respect to bringing to the notice of the authorities if they detect Mr Wharekura not adhering to his release conditions or if his mental health should deteriorate."

-Stuff