Convicted double murderer Scott Watson has been denied parole.

He was jailed in 1999 for the murders of Ben Smart and Olivia Hope who disappeared in the Marlborough Sounds.

The Parole Board says it's seen Watson today for his first consideration of parole.

It says it's declined to release him as it considers him to still be an undue risk to the safety of the community.

He'll be seen by the board in 12 months.

Watson has always maintained his innocence.