Families of those who sent an open letter to Justice Minister Andrew Little are glad the three strikes law appears set to stay.

Little was set to take the matter to Cabinet today, but failed to get support from New Zealand First to see the law repealed.

Charlie Borrell's son was stabbed to death in Auckland 11 years ago by a second offender.

He's one of a raft of families who signed an open letter to Andrew Little pleading with him not to scrap the three strikes law.

Mr Borrell believes the law is now helping to reduce second time serious offenders.

He told Heather du Plessis-Allan in their case the offender got off lightly.

"If the three strikes law had been in place, he may have second thoughts about doing what he did instead of knowing he'd get the book thrown at him."

 LISTEN ABOVE AS HEATHER DU PLESSIS-ALLAN SPEAKS TO ANDREW GEDDIS AND CHARLIE BORRELL