Tom Phillips and his three children have been missing in New Zealand’s wilderness since December 2021 after he left their family home following a dispute with their mother. Phillips took Ember, 9, Maverick, 10, and Jayda, 12, prompting a national search that has persisted for nearly four years. The family was last seen in public in October 2022 when a group of teenagers filmed them while trekking through an area in the North Island’s western Waikato region.
Recently, Phillips’ family has publicly urged him to return home. His sister, Rozzi, mentioned in an interview that they are ready to support him and expressed her desire to reconnect with him and the children. Phillips’ mother, Julia, communicated her sadness and concern, emphasizing the family’s ongoing love and support for him and the children.
New Zealand police believe that Phillips and his children have been living in hiding, conducting occasional camping activities in the region. They previously offered a reward of NZ$80,000 (approximately £37,200) for information leading to their discovery. Reports have indicated sightings of the group, including one in which Phillips was filmed leading his children while carrying a gun. During this encounter, one child reportedly stated that only the teenagers knew their location.
Authorities have described these sightings as credible, resulting in extensive searches that have yet to locate the family. A warrant has also been issued for Phillips’ arrest concerning his alleged participation in a bank robbery in Te Kuiti, raising concern as police suggest he may be armed and is receiving assistance from others during his evasion. Efforts remain ongoing to locate him and his children amid these developments.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c3v37ye0l0ro?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss