But the Parole Board said it would only allow Manu Hausia to leave prison if satisfied he did not pose an undue risk to those living in his homeland.
"We are therefore expecting information to be confirmed in writing from Tonga about the accommodation and employment opportunities available to Mr Hausia as well as the family and community supports and social controls that can be expected to keep Mr Hausia and his community safe," panel convener Judge Geoffrey Ellis said.
Hausia met his victim at a rugby game in Auckland at the start of 2021, then moved to Oamaru to live with her.
But he soon showed his violent streak.
After an initial episode of domestic violence, Hausia was bailed to Ashburton but disregarded that to continue living with the woman.
In September 2022, she called police following an argument with the drunken defendant.
Hausia put her in a stranglehold and stabbed her in the head and body more than a dozen times with a kitchen knife and scissors, telling her he would be the last person she would ever see.
When another person intervened, he stabbed them, too.
Hausia pleaded guilty to attempted murder, among other violence charges, and was jailed for six and a-half years.
Last year, he had another 13 months added to that term for attacking another inmate in the exercise yard at the Otago Corrections Facility.
At a recent hearing, the Parole Board noted Hausia had since transferred to Spring Hill Corrections Facility so he could undertake the Saili Matagi course — a medium-intensity programme specifically for Pasifika prisoners.
He was also doing English language classes and had been working in horticulture before the jailhouse attack resulted in him spending time in segregation.
Judge Geoffrey Ellis said Hausia appeared to have family support, and aspirations for when he returned home.
"He has no work specifically arranged, but he told us that he plans to work as a missionary and also has an ambition to establish a barbering business," he said.
Hausia will see the Parole Board again in August.
