The woman accused of helping Phillip Smith escape custody can now be revealed as his sister.

NZME. reports Joanne Smith was due to appear in Auckland District Court next week but that hearing will no longer be needed after she pleaded not guilty through her lawyer.

The 33-year-old from Palmerston North has elected trial by jury and police agreed to her bail.

Her bail conditions restrict her from contacting her brother or any other police witnesses and she must live in her Highbury home.

Ms Smith will appear in Auckland District Court alongside her brother next month.

She faces a maximum of seven years imprisonment if found guilty of the charge.