During an alcohol-fuelled rage, Epiha fatally stabbed 32-year-old mother Alicia Maree Nathan, also known as Robinson, and threatened to kill another woman at an Avonhead property in August 2017.
Police were informed immediately after Epiha escaped from Corrections staff, Cave said in a statement.
"We have provided them with information to assist them to locate her. We encourage anyone with information about her whereabouts to contact the Police on 111.
"The prisoner is likely to be charged with escaping custody, which can result in a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment.
"A full operational review into the circumstances of the incident is being carried out."