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A New Zealand father, Tom Phillips, who vanished into the wilderness with his three children nearly three years ago, has been seen publicly for the first time in years. Phillips disappeared with Ember, 8, Maverick, 9, and Jayda, 11, in December 2021 following a family dispute with the children’s mother. A nationwide search for the family has been underway ever since, with authorities focusing on the North Island’s western Waikato region where they believe Phillips and the children have been hiding.

 

 

The recent sighting occurred last week when a group of teenage pig hunters encountered the family while trekking through the bush. They filmed the interaction on their phones, with one of the teenagers briefly speaking to one of the children. When asked if anyone knew of their presence, the child responded, "only you," and continued walking. The father of one of the teenagers shared this account with New Zealand's 1News. According to the teenagers, Phillips was carrying a gun, had a long beard, and his children were masked and carrying their own packs.

 

 

New Zealand Police have described the sighting as "credible" and “positive information” for the family. Det. Insp. Andrew Saunders said, “We know it will be reassuring for the children’s wider family.” This is the first time Phillips has been seen with all three children since they disappeared. The footage, filmed on October 3 in a remote bush area of Marokopa, triggered a three-day search involving police and army helicopters. Phillips and his children were dressed in camouflage clothing and seen traversing the rugged terrain together.

 

The children's mother, Cat, expressed relief upon seeing the video, noting that her children appeared physically well enough to carry their own bags. “They shouldn’t have to be worrying about where they’re going to sleep that night or whether they’re going to be warm,” she told *The New Zealand Herald*. She also accused her ex-partner of using their children as “pawns in his game” and called for more efforts from authorities to locate them.

 

 

The police have suggested that Phillips is receiving assistance from others and have urged anyone involved to come forward. "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 Det. Insp. Saunders.

 

A reward of NZ$80,000 (£37,200) was previously offered in June for information leading to the children's safe return, but it expired without being claimed. Police also believe that the children have not had contact with anyone outside their group and have not received any formal education during their time in hiding.

 

In a troubling twist, Phillips is also wanted in connection with a suspected bank robbery in Te Kuiti, a small town in the North Island, for which a warrant was issued last year. Authorities caution that Phillips is likely armed and warn the public against approaching him. The mystery of how Phillips and the children have survived in the wilderness for so long, and whether they will be safely reunited with their family, remains unresolved.

 

Based on a report from BBC 2024-10-11

 

 

 

[Tug]

WOW!I sincerely hope it’s resolved peacefully!