Police say a 26-year-old man at the centre of a police hunt is unlikely to face charges.
They say the man forced his former partner and their children, aged two and four, into a car in Hamilton before 2pm on Wednesday.
The vehicle was stopped by police in Napier before 7pm.
Eastern Waikato Area Commander, Inspector Dana McDonald, says the man has been referred to mental health professionals for assessment and is unlikely to face charges.