Government extends Phillip John Smith escape inquiry

Phillip Smith. Photo / Nick Reed

A Government inquiry into the escape of convicted murderer and paedophile Phillip John Smith has been extended by two months.

State Services Minister Paula Bennett said when the inquiry was announced in November 2014, it was made clear that the six month period proposed for its completion might be extended.

"It is important New Zealanders get answers to the many questions around the escape," she said.

Ms Bennett said inquiry chairman John Priestley, QC, had asked to extend the final report date from June 30 to August 25 to "ensure a thorough review can be completed".

The minister had agreed to the request.

"This extension takes into account the number and timing of interviews of key witnesses, a prior commitment of a member of the inquiry, and the need to ensure due process is followed," Ms Bennett said.

The extension would be accommodated within the initial budget for the inquiry.

Phillip John Smith allegedly fled to South America while on temporary release from Spring Hill Corrections Facility in South Auckland on November 6 last year.

He had been serving a life sentence for the 1995 stabbing murder of the father of a boy he had sexually abused.

At the time of the murder, Smith was out on bail for the sexual offending and charges of blackmail against a man who later killed himself.

He was caught in Rio de Janeiro on November 13, a week after he left New Zealand.