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Police are still hopeful of reuniting missing Hamilton six-year-old Jayden Headley with his dad for Christmas.
Jayden was taken from the Hamilton public library in August and was now believed to be in hiding with his grandfather Dick Headley.
Headley and Jayden's mother Kay Skelton have been charged with kidnapping.
Skelton has been in jail since October for refusing to reveal where her son has been hidden.
Detective Senior Sergeant Chris Page told NZPA today they were "always hopeful" they could reunite Jayden with his father Chris Jones, who has custody.
But he said Christmas was going to be particularly hard for Mr Jones if Jayden was not returned by then.
"He's anxious to have his son back, just like any father."
Mr Page said police were still following up leads, and was hopeful that ongoing media attention would deliver "that one lead we need".
Headley had previously contacted national media with a video of Jayden showing he was physically healthy.
He demanded his daughter be released from prison and promised to return Jayden to his mother if he had a written assurance from the prime minister that an inquiry into the court system was undertaken.
Mr Page said Headley had the opportunity to resolve the situation if he turned himself in.
"It's not going to be resolved while he remains a fugitive. We hope that he can see that what he wants to achieve just cannot be done in the manner he's talking about."
Mr Page said police were almost certain Headley and Jayden were still in New Zealand.
"I'd be surprised if he got out of an airport," he said.
Meanwhile Skelton looked set to see in Christmas from prison.
The lawyer for a member of her family, Tony Bouchier, said her jail term was open ended.
Mr Bouchier said she was charged with "continuing contempt".
"My understanding is that it is continuing contempt so long as the child is not produced -- and she will continue to be in custody until then."
- NZPA
