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Fugitive father spotted with children in New Zealand wilderness for the first time in years.
A New Zealand father who vanished with his three children three years ago has been seen publicly for the first time.
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Tom Phillips has been the subject of a nationwide search since he took Ember, 8, Maverick, 9, and Jayda, 11, from their family home in December 2021 following a dispute with their mother.
Authorities believe they have been camping in the western Waikato region of the North Island. Earlier this year, police launched an NZ$80,000 (£37,200) appeal for information.
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The recent sighting occurred when a group of teenage pig hunters trekking through the bush recorded their encounter on video.
New Zealand media reported that the teenagers briefly spoke to one of the children, asking if anyone knew they were there. The child replied, "only you," before continuing on, according to the father of one of the teenagers who spoke to 1News.
The teenagers noted that Mr. Phillips was carrying a gun and had a long beard, while the children wore masks and carried their own backpacks.
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New Zealand Police described the sighting as "credible," calling it "positive information" for the relatives of Ember, 8, Maverick, 9, and Jayda, 11. Detective Inspector Andrew Saunders stated, "We know it will be reassuring for the children’s wider family."
While there have been several reported sightings of Mr. Phillips, this is the first instance believed to involve all three children.
The footage was recorded on October 3 in a bush area of Marokopa, with police becoming aware of it around 7:00 PM local time (6:00 AM GMT). This led to a three-day search involving police and army helicopters.
In the video, Tom Phillips is seen leading his children through the rugged terrain, all dressed in camouflage clothing.
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Speaking to the New Zealand Herald on Thursday, the children's mother, Cat, expressed relief that they were alive and seemed healthy enough to carry their own bags. She accused her ex-partner of using the children as "pawns in his game."
“They shouldn’t have to worry about where they’re going to sleep or whether they’ll be warm,” she stated. Cat also called for authorities to intensify efforts to locate her ex-husband and appealed to those she believed were aiding him.
Police believe that Mr. Phillips is receiving assistance from others.
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In June, authorities offered a NZ$80,000 (£37,200) reward for information leading to the safe return of the children, but the offer expired without any claims.
According to police, the children have not been in contact with others or received an education over the past three years.
Detective Inspector Andrew Saunders urged those aiding Mr. Phillips to stop and to report any information to the police.
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Last year, a warrant was issued for Mr. Phillips’ arrest in connection with a suspected bank robbery in Te Kuiti, a small town in the North Island. Police indicated that he had an accomplice during the alleged incident and warned the public not to approach him, as he is likely armed.
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