The hunt for Phillip Smith's 'helpers' is closing in.

An officer at Paremoremo prison has been suspended, as Corrections investigates how the killer paedophile managed to flee the country.

He's accused of supplying Smith with a smartphone, and helping him get a passport.

A clinical psychologist is also on leave and subject to an employment investigation, although there's no suggestion he specifically helped Smith escape in November.

Corrections won't confirm why he's on leave.

Phillip Smith flew to South America early last month, while on a temporary release from Spring Hill prison.