Kahu's parents speak about kidnapping ordeal

11.30am

The parents of eight-month-old Kahu Durie have just spoken about their kidnapping ordeal at a press conference in Lower Hutt.

The baby was found alone and unharmed when police raided a house between Taumarunui and Turangi in the central North Island early yesterday evening.

A 54-year-old Taumarunui man was taken into custody a short time later, and was placed under arrest following questioning. He appeared in Taumarunui District Court today charged with kidnapping, and entered no plea.

This morning, cradling Kahurautete in his arms, Justice Eddie Durie said the family wanted to thank God, the police, and all the people who sent messages of support - including people they didn't know and some from overseas countries including China, America and England.

It just felt so good to know that there was such a supportive, huge group out there who would react in such a way, he said.

Justice Durie said he and Kahu's mother Donna Hall couldn't believe the return of their baby came off so quickly, as they thought they were "in it for the long haul." He said Psalm 121 from the Bible maintained his confidence.

"I spoke to her very gently, I just wanted to see that she was well. We saw the flash of her eyes and knew she was just great," Ms Hall said.

When asked about a hoax telephone call made to police by a 13-year-old Dargaville girl that led to a massive search for Kahu last week, Ms Hall said "It was a terrible moment, I couldn't breath."

She said her mother was deeply hurt by the call, which nearly put her in hospital. She said the call was cruel and she hoped the person would learn from it. Many officers who could have been helping with other things, spent time looking for a baby, she said.

Donna Hall said she had been very anxious to get Kahurautete home, give her something to eat and bathe her. "There were no signs of neglect at all, no rashes …. So she was well cared for and we were grateful for that"

On the ransom note, Justice Durie said "It confirmed that she was alive, it was a very happy thing."

However he did note that he felt Kahu was worth more than 3 million dollars, and the kidnapper had therefore sold himself short.

Extended family, including Kahu's biological parents, are expected to come together in the next day or so.

Kahu dozed during the press conference, and Ms Hall said the baby had been docile - her natural demeanor.

"This [last night] is the first time that Kahurautete slept longer than both of us", she said. She said they had put Kahu down very easily and she had just fallen asleep.

"What happened was extraordinary, we are going to be briefed by the police so we can understand the motive," Ms Hall said.

Full coverage: Baby Kahu kidnapping


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