Christchurch man jailed for brutal Parklands murder

A Christchurch man has been sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum non-parole period of 17 years for the murder of Chantal McDonald.

Nathan Boulter, 37, was sentenced in the High Court at Christchurch after being convicted of killing McDonald at her Parklands home in July 2025. Justice Paulsen imposed the sentence during a hearing in which Boulter appeared via audio-visual link.

According to the agreed summary of facts, Boulter and McDonald had been in a brief relationship that began in May 2025. After McDonald ended the relationship and told Boulter she wanted no further contact, he began persistently harassing and stalking her.

Between 7 July and 20 July 2025, Boulter made 581 phone calls to McDonald while also contacting her through multiple phone numbers and social media accounts. Police said he sent threatening messages, including statements indicating violence toward her.

McDonald took steps to protect herself, including locking her front gate and informing others about the threats.

On 22 July 2025, Boulter purchased a pig-sticker style hunting knife. The following evening, he travelled to McDonald’s home and waited outside the property, hiding behind a tree across the street.

At approximately 7.50pm, McDonald returned home with her children. As she exited her vehicle to close the gate, Boulter emerged from hiding and attacked her, stabbing her repeatedly in what investigators described as a frenzied assault.

McDonald sustained 55 stab wounds and died at the scene within minutes.

Detective Senior Sergeant Karen Simmons of Christchurch Metro Crime said Police acknowledged the sentence handed down by the court and noted that while no prison term could undo the crime, the outcome ensured community safety.

“There is no prison term that will ever make up for what happened to Chantal,” Simmons said. “However, today brings a small comfort in knowing the community will be protected.”

Simmons also said Police were disappointed Boulter chose not to physically appear in court for sentencing.

Police credited investigators, staff and the Crown prosecution team for their work in bringing the case before the court and holding McDonald’s killer accountable.