Fugitive NZ murderer Phillip Smith expected 'to make statement' to victims

Escaped murderer and child molester Phillip Smith is expected to make a statement detailing why he fled New Zealand and offering his victims an apology.

But the apology is unlikely to change anything for the man - now living in Australia - who was abused by Smith between the ages of 10 and 13.

He says he hasn't slept since the 40-year-old escaped to South America while on temporary release from prison.

Smith is expected to release the statement through his lawyer Tony Ellis, who's represented him since 2002.

But his victim, who witnessed Smith stabbing his father to death in 1995, told TV3's Campbell Live in New Zealand he's scared of Smith and believes he still plans to harm him.

New Zealand police made contact with the victim for the first time on Wednesday afternoon, and offered him protection through Australian authorities.

Earlier on Wednesday, Smith told Radio New Zealand he had left the country because he had no chance of getting parole.

And despite police conducting an international man hunt for him, he believes it'll be hard to track him down and extradite him.

It's understood Smith funded his escape by running a business in jail.