A warning's being issued that any changes should be made slowly and carefully, after Phillip John Smith's escape to Brazil.

An initial report from a multi-agency review of his case has recommended increased information sharing, backed by new laws if necessary.

Canterbury University dean of law Chris Gallavin says it could be as simple as giving the police extra powers to check names and aliases with other agencies.

He says it will need to be a careful process though, to ensure we don't infringe on basic privacies over one case.