The two people convicted of murdering pizza delivery man Michael Choy in 2001 remain behind bars but are making good progress towards eventual release, the Parole Board says.
Earlier this month Whatarangi Rawiri, 27, and Alexander Peihopa, 25, both came before the board to have their parole situations assessed.
Rawiri wanted to move to a transition home which also housed another ex-inmate on parole when she appeared before the board in November, but the local Community Probation Service manager told the board in a report he still had concerns about the accommodation.
However, the board says "if the perceived problems can be resolved this would seem to be the most suitable accommodation for Ms Rawiri".
It said Rawiri was having increased outings to get used to life outside prison, and has shown good leadership skills as the functions head cook in the prison kitchen.
Though parole was declined, the board says "she is clearly on the right path".
Mr Choy's family said last year they thought there was no real evidence of Peihopa having ever exhibited any changes, but the board said it was "satisfied that there is now a great deal of evidence that he has made positive changes".
It said he was progressing towards some leave from prison and he had a good chance of getting work once released.
Bailey Kurariki, jailed for manslaughter for his role as a decoy as a 12-year-old, had a troubled time after being paroled in May 2008 and was jailed for 14 months in May 2011 on assault and domestic violence charges.
Phillip Kaukasi remains in prison after being jailed for 12 years in 2001 for Mr Choy's manslaughter.
Joe Kaukasi and Riki Rapira, both convicted for manslaughter, and Casie Rawiri, who was jailed for theft and attempted aggravated robbery, have been paroled, the Sensible Sentencing Trust website says.
NZN