An Auckland Prison officer has been suspended as the Department of Corrections seeks answers on how convicted murderer and paedophile Phillip Smith fled the country.

The Wanganui man charged with helping convicted murderer and child molester Phillip Smith get a false passport met him in prison seven years ago.

Dutch researchers have claimed it's possible three inmates who escaped from Alcatraz in 1962 could have survived - but only if their timing was perfect.

Murderer and child sex offender Phillip John Smith's claims that he was aided in his escape to Brazil by a prison guard have angered inmates.

Convicted murderer Phillip Smith's allegations that a Corrections officer helped him escape custody last month are unsubstantiated, the Corrections union says.

Police have busted a major methamphetamine importing ring allegedly being run from behind bars - and a nun has been caught up in the investigation.

Lawyer for convicted murderer and child abuser told Radio New Zealand this morning that prison officials had stripped away his client's dignity.

Nearly three dozen prisoners awaiting trial in a crowded jail in a provincial city north of the Haitian escaped by sawing through steel bars, authorities said.

The Department of Corrections underestimated Phillip Smith when they planned his temporary release from prison, an inquiry has found.

The Government has confirmed the terms of reference for an independent inquiry into the escape of convicted killer Phillip Smith.

The victims of convicted murderer and paedophile Phillip Smith have approached a lawyer to represent them. So what are they seeking?

Prime Minister John Key says a government inquiry will be held into events around convicted paedophile and murderer Phillip Smith's escape to Brazil.

Cabinet will consider whether there is a need for a wide-ranging inquiry into convicted murderer and paedophile Phillip Smith’s escape from the country.

Captured killer Phillip John Smith has confirmed he received help in renewing the passport he used to flee the country.

Phillip John Smith will voluntarily return to NZ to escape harsh conditions in the Brazilian jail system, says his lawyer.

The prison where Phillip Smith is being held was two years ago condemned by the UN as it packed in 30 inmates to a cell, was infested with roaches and was leaking.

The British outsourcing giant that operates Auckland's Mt Eden prison is facing major financial strife, with its boss warning jobs will be slashed.

The man who raised fugitive killer Phillip Smith said he has not heard from him since their last phone conversation two weeks ago.

Prime Minister John Key has apologised to the family of the victims of Phillip Smith, saying his joke was a 'poorly placed attempt at humour'.

Corrections Minister Sam Lotu-Iiga is defending his handling of the escape of a high-risk prisoner as his department was forced to put all prisoner releases on hold.

All temporary releases for prisoners will be suspended in the wake of convicted murderer Phillip John Smith escaping while on release, Corrections says.

PM said he would let Chile's President know "there's someone who could be out there from New Zealand that you may not want to invite round for lunch".

Phillip John Smith's criminal history is long and it is violent. He has terrified and tormented, abused and killed. What made him a such a monster?

Father of escaped murderer and child abuser Phillip John Smith lashes out at authorities for releasing dangerous menace.

Police confident Phillip Smith will be caught if he catches attention of Chilean authorities but South America is “a big place” and there are no guarantees.

The Government is pressing on with changes to allow ex-prisoners to be monitored for the rest of their lives despite advice from officials that the new laws will breach fundamental human....