Phillip John Smith denied parole at 18th hearing

Tuesday 11 November 2025 · 5 outlets · 2 reports · updated Tue 11 Nov 2025, 5:00am

In this story New Zealand Parole Board

Convicted murderer and child sex offender Phillip John Smith has been denied parole. During his hearing, Smith admitted to using forbidden cellphones to trade cryptocurrency while in prison.

How they headlined it

5am

1. NZ HeraldTue 11 Nov 2025, 5:00am

   Murderer, prison escapee Phillip John Smith pleads for parole at his 18th hearing (opens in new tab)

   Also on RNZ (opens in new tab)

2. The Press via The PostTue 11 Nov 2025, 5:00am

   Child and sex offender Phillip John Smith denied parole despite promise ‘I will succeed’ (opens in new tab)

   Also on The Post (opens in new tab), Waikato Times (opens in new tab)