The man jailed for killing schoolgirl Teresa Cormack has been denied his first shot at parole as he continues to protest his innocence.
Jules Mikus, 53, was sentenced to preventive detention in 2002 after he was found guilty of raping and killing the Napier 6-year-old in 1987.
He became eligible for parole for the first time last month.
In a decision released today, the Parole Board noted a psychological assessment had found the risk of Mikus reoffending in a similar manner was very high.
It said Mikus continued to protest his innocence and intended to take further appeal action.
Parole Board panel convenor Judge David Carruthers noted Mikus had been shortlisted to take part in the Te Piriti child sex offender programme next year, but his denial presented a "very real problem''.
"His denial and his continued affirmation of his innocence is likely to be a block to any treatment. Therefore, it seems that there is a considerable impasse here,'' he said.
Judge Carruthers said the board was not satisfied Mikus would not be an undue risk to the safety of the community.
He may not become eligible for parole again for some time, with the board saying it would formally consider deferring his eligibility for annual hearings.
"It is simply not sensible to continue to have annual meetings with Mr Mikus if nothing is changing,'' Judge Carruthers said.
The Court of Appeal last year turned down Mikus' request for more time to appeal against his conviction.
