This week, the 29-year-old Invercargill man was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum non-parole period of 13 years and three months.
A jury found him guilty of murdering Chad Terrance Parekura and attempting to murder Austin Jazz McGregor after a "drug deal gone wrong" on April 23, 2022.
Both men were stabbed with a boning knife outside an Invercargill bar.
Wharekura was on parole at the time after being convicted for an aggravated robbery, unlawfully taking a motor vehicle, burglary and other offending.
A parole board decision from April 2020 said he was serving a prison sentence of five years five months’ with his statutory release date being March 26, 2023.
He was released on parole on May 6, 2020, on conditions that were to remain in place for 18 months.
"Mr Wharekura outlined to the board the circumstances that led to his offending and what he has gained from the programmes he has completed," panel convener Neville Trendle said in the decision.
"He appears to have developed a good insight into what he needs to do to keep himself and the community safe."
The board noted his behaviour and compliance at the beginning of his sentence had been "variable at best", but there had not been any incidents of misconduct in the 12 months before his release.
He was assessed as being at a low risk of reoffending and had only one prior minor conviction before the offending that landed him in prison.
The board also noted Wharekura had attended a programme while inside, which he was "exited" from — but after that his conduct and compliance had been "exemplary" and he had engaged in a landscaping course.
According to a Corrections officer he had also "revitalised the Pacific Focus Unit with his leadership of the unit Kapa Haka group".
It was noted Wharekura had become "something of a leader and tutor in Māoritanga" at a rehabilitation programme for "Pacific prisoners".
"Mr Wharekura has done well on this sentence and despite a considerable period remaining to be served, we are of the view that having regard to that progress and to the support available to him in the community that his release on parole will be sufficient to manage his risk," Mr Trendle said.
The board did not believe electronic-monitoring was necessary on his release, but did impose a night-time curfew for the first three months.
A check-in report six months later noted Wharekura was doing well in the community — he had a job and was supported by his whānau.
He had been compliant with the conditions the board imposed and a report from his Probation officer said he had "successfully transitioned" to the community.
Parole conditions
Wharekura’s conditions of parole included. —
• To live at an approved address.
• To abide by a 10pm-6am curfew for three months after release.
• Not to communicate or associate with anyone associated with Black Power, unless approved by a probation officer.
• Not to possess, use, or consume alcohol or drugs.
• Not to contact or associate with any victim of the offending, unless approved by a probation officer.
