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The grandfather of missing Hamilton boy Jayden Headley is threatening to go on a hunger strike if his grandson is returned to his father.
Dick Headley and his daughter Kay Skelton face kidnap charges after Jayden, 6, who was in the custody of his father, was snatched from
outside the Hamilton Public Library in August.
Jayden is believed to be somewhere in Northland with Mr Headley and Skelton is serving a prison term for contempt after refusing to reveal his whereabouts.
Mr Headley sent Radio Live a seven-page handwritten letter yesterday which said neither Skelton nor any of his family knew where he and Jayden were staying.
"And I intend to keep it that way," the letter said.
The letter included a picture apparently drawn by Jayden showing a Christmas tree and a note asking to live with his mother.
Mr Headley said he would not return until he had an assurance that Jayden's father, Chris Jones, would not be getting custody.
He said the Family Court's decision to award Mr Jones custody was a serious miscarriage of justice.
He was "prepared to hunger strike" if he was arrested after returning voluntarily, and if Jayden was returned to his father by court order.
Mr Headley also wrote that Jayden "must be interviewed on video" which was to be overseen by Children's Commissioner Cindy Kiro. This would convince people that Jayden really wanted to live with his mother.
Detective Senior Sergeant Chris Page of Hamilton said an interview with Child Youth and Family had already been planned and could be done as soon as Jayden was returned.
"So if that is one of the goals he hopes to achieve, I guess I can assure him that will take place."
Mr Page said it was unusual for police to communicate with Mr Headley through the media, and they would prefer it if he contacted them directly.
"But if it means we can get Jayden back, then so be it."
Mr Page said Mr Headley's appeals for the media to print court documents would not happen.
"I don't think he realises that much of what he asks for in his letter - he talks about getting documents from the Family Court - is either sub judice or before the Family Court. And as such if the media produce that they would be in contempt of court."
Mr Jones said yesterday not enough was being done to find his son. He knew police had tried to find Jayden but now was time for action, National Radio reported.
He appreciated police efforts but wished they had more resources.
Mr Page said as soon as police knew where Jayden was they would get all the resources they needed to go and get him.
- NZPA