Police have released images from CCTV footage of Phillip John Smith as he passed through Auckland Airport on Thursday.
Police said this afternoon their investigation was now focused on Brazil, believed to be the fugitive's last destination after he fled New Zealand on Thursday while on temporary release from Springhill Prison.
Prime Minister John Key is backing his Corrections Minister and prison officials after the escape of a convicted killer.
At a press conference this morning, Mr Key said the Corrections Department had been "for the most part extremely well-run and highly efficient" in his time as Prime Minister.
He saidthe department would be reviewing Phillip John Smith's escape while on temporary release, and taking advice on whether a wider inquiry would be launched.
Corrections Minister Sam Lotu-Iiga is facing his first major test in the portfolio and Opposition parties say he has "serious questions" to answer about Smith's case.
Mr Key said this morning: "I haven't seen anything from the minister yet that would indicate there are any issues."