The Prime Minister's not keen to rush into an apology for Teina Pora.

Mr Pora spent 21 years in jail for rape and murder before his convictions were quashed by the Privy Council this year.

He now asserts he wants a formal apology far more than compensation.

But John Key says he can't interfere with the process, which is still being worked through by the Justice Minister.

"If you're really saying he derives an apology, the next step is compensation."

Pora spoke out for the first time since his rape and murder convictions were quashed in March on Sunday night's 3D on TV3.

He believes he deserves compensation.

"For me it's not about compensation, I want an apology, a state apology."