A convicted murderer has been named as one of Massey University's best scholars, winning an award for outstanding achievement.
Daniel Luff, who's serving a 17 year sentence for killing a police officer and trying to kill another in 2002, is studying psychology.
Paul Wood, who completed bachelors and masters degrees while himself serving 11 years for murder, is one of Luff's mentors.
He said education was a way of turning criminals into valuable members of society.
"I absolutely don't think that we do enough to create the circumstances whereby people can really pursue educational opportunities and try and develop the skills that will make them the best versions of themselves as possible."
Mr Wood said imprisonment should be about rehabilitating people, rather than punishing them.
