For the first time in years, a father who fled NZ was spotted with his kids

For the first time in years, a father who fled NZ was spotted with his kids in a wilderness
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Herald of New Zealand  Tom Phillips leading his three kids across a patch of greenery, with a glimpse of darker terrain in the distance. Each of the three has on a backpack. Herald of New Zealand
In a coincidental meeting, a gang of pig hunters happened to see the family.
For the first time in years, a New Zealand father who vanished into the nation's wilderness three years prior along with his three kids has been spotted in public with them.


Since he removed Ember, 8, Maverick, 9, and Jayda, 11, from their family home in December 2021 during a fight with their mother, a nationwide hunt has been launched for Tom Phillips.


Police think they may have been hiding and camping in the western Waikato region of the North Island, and early this year they launched a call for information for NZ$80,000 (£37,200).


Teenage pig hunters who were hiking through the jungle last week reported seeing the sighting and recorded it on camera with their phones.




According to New Zealand media, the youngsters asked one of their kids if anyone knew they were there in a fleeting conversation. As per the father of one of the teenagers, they had responded with "only you" and proceeded to walk.


The minors were wearing masks and carrying their own bags, but Mr. Phillips, according to the teenagers, had a lengthy beard and was carrying a revolver.


The sighting has been deemed "credible" by the New Zealand Police, and claimed that it was "positive information" for family members.


Det Insp Andrew Saunders stated, "We know it will be reassuring for the children's wider family."


Although Mr. Phillips has been claimed to have been sighted several times, this appears to be the first time he has been spotted with all three of his kids.


New Zealand Police A CCTV still captures Mr. Phillips and one of his kids strolling down a street in the town of Piopio in November 2023 while wearing masks and camouflage clothing.NZ POLICE: According to CCTV evidence, Phillips and one of his kids attempted to break into a Piopio store last year.


The video was recorded on October 3rd in a Marokopa bush area, and the police were made aware of it that day, at roughly 19:00 local time (06:00 GMT). This led to a three-day hunt that involved army and police helicopters.


Tom Phillips is seen guiding his kids over the difficult terrain in the video. They're all dressed in camouflage.


The children's mother, Cat, expressed her relief that her children were still alive and that they seemed well enough to be carrying their own luggage in an interview with the New Zealand Herald newspaper on Thursday.


She claimed that the kids were being used as "pawns in his game" by her ex-partner.


She told the newspaper, "They shouldn't have to worry about where they're going to sleep that night or whether they're going to be warm."


Additionally, she stated that authorities ought to be tracking her ex-partner and made appeals to people she thought were supporting her ex-husband.


New Zealand Police In a composite photo, Ember, Jayda, and Maverick Phillips are shown grinning at the camera while in a domestic environment. New Zealand Police
[From L to R] Since December 2021, Ember, Jayda, and Maverick Phillips have not been seen or heard from.


Police in New Zealand Tom Phillips in the shot with his face in close-up. He has a neutral expression on his face as he looks straight into the camera. Police in New Zealand
Tom Phillips Police have stated that they think outside parties are assisting Mr. Phillips.


Authorities offered a $10,000 reward in June for information that would result in the children's safe return; however, the offer expired before being asserted.


According to the police, the kids had not attended school or interacted with outsiders for the previous three years.


"We believe that Tom and the children are being assisted and we're urging anyone who's doing this to please stop, do the right thing and tell police what you know," said Detective Andrew Saunders.


A warrant for Mr. Phillips' arrest was issued last year due to his alleged involvement in a bank robbery that occurred in Te Kuiti, a tiny village in the North Island.


Police warned the public not to approach him since he was likely armed and said he had an accomplice during the alleged incident.


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