The former father-in-law of Ewen Macdonald says only time will tell whether Macdonald has truly changed while in jail.
Macdonald was found not guilty of murdering his brother-in-law Scott Guy, but was later jailed for five years for arson, vandalism and killing livestock.
He will be released on parole next month, with a number of special conditions attached.
Scott Guy's father Bryan Guy said the family has had no contact with Macdonald since his arrest, and he was not sure if he will have changed.
Macdonald has narcissistic tendencies and other psychological issues to deal with, he said.
Bryan Guy said the parole condition requiring Macdonald to stay out of the North Island will be helpful for the family in the short-term.