Herald of New Zealand
The family was spotted by a group of pig hunters during a chance encounter
A New Zealand father who disappeared with his three children in the country's wilderness three years ago has been seen publicly with them for the first time in years.
A national search has been underway for Tom Phillips since he took Ember, 8, Maverick, 9, and Jayda, 11, away from their family home in December 2021, after an argument with their mother.
Police believe they were hiding and camping in the Waikoto area, west of the North Island, and earlier this year issued an NZ$80,000 (£37,200) appeal for information ).
Last week's sighting came from a group of teenage pig hunters who were roaming the bush and had filmed the encounter on their phones.
New Zealand media reported that the teenagers briefly spoke to one of their children, asking if anyone knew they were there. They responded “only you” and continued walking, the father of one of the teenagers told New Zealand's 1News.
The teens reported that Mr. Phillips carried a gun and had a long beard while the children were masked and carrying their own bags.
New Zealand police described the sighting as “credible” and said it was “positive information” for relatives.
“We know this will be reassuring for the children’s wider family,” Det Insp. Andrew Saunders.
Although a number of sightings of Mr Phillips have been reported, this is the first time he is believed to be seen with his three children.
POLICE NZ
Police believe this CCTV footage captured Phillips with one of her children attempting to break into a store in Piopio last year.
The footage was filmed on October 3 in a bush area of Marokopa, and police became aware of it around 7:00 p.m. local time (06:00 GMT) that day. This led to a three-day search involving police and army helicopters.
In the video, Tom Phillips can be seen guiding his children through rough terrain. They all wear camouflage clothing.
Speaking to the New Zealand Herald newspaper on Thursday, the children's mother, Cat, expressed relief that they were still alive and that her children seemed well enough to carry their own bags.
She accuses her ex-partner of using children as “pawns in his game”.
“They shouldn't have to worry about where they're going to sleep that night or whether they'll be warm,” she told the newspaper.
She also said authorities should do more to find her ex-partner and appealed to those she said were helping her ex-husband.
New Zealand Police
(L to R) Ember Phillips, Jayda Phillips and Maverick Phillips have been missing since December 2021
New Zealand Police
Tom Phillips
Police said they believed Mr Phillips was being helped by other parties.
In June, authorities offered a cash reward for information leading to the children's safe return – although the offer expired before it was claimed.
Police said the children had not been in contact with other people for the past three years and had not received an education.
“We believe Tom and the children are getting help and we urge anyone doing this to stop, do the right thing and tell the police what they know,” said the Det. Inspector Andrew Saunders.
Last year, an arrest warrant was issued for Mr Phillips for his alleged involvement in a bank robbery in Te Kuiti, a small town in the North Island.
Police said he had an accomplice during the alleged incident and warned the public not to approach him as he was likely armed.
