Family of NZ fugitive on the run with children pleads for return

Tom Phillips, a father from New Zealand, has been missing with his three children for nearly four years, and his family is pleading for their safe return. In December 2021, Tom took his children—Ember, age nine, Maverick, age ten, and Jayda, age twelve—from their home, reportedly because of a custody dispute. Since then, police have been searching for them across the country, but they have only been seen a few times. The most recent sighting was last October, when a group of teenagers saw Tom and his children trekking through the bush and filmed them. For the first time since they disappeared, Tom’s family has made a public appeal for him to come home. His mother wrote a heartfelt note saying she wakes up every day hoping that Tom and the children will return. She expressed her sadness and love, saying she misses being part of their lives. Tom’s sister, Rozzi, also spoke out, saying she misses her brother and wants to see him and the kids again. Rozzi believes Tom is a skilled builder and probably built a shelter for his family in the bush. She shared a handwritten note from their mother, Julia, who said she feels sad that Tom thought he had to leave and didn’t realize how much his family loves and supports him. Julia said it hurts to see photos of Tom and the children and their belongings that are still at home. Police say Tom does not have legal custody of his children and believe he took them after losing a court case to their mother. They think Tom and the kids have been hiding and camping in the western Waikato region of the North Island. Last year, police offered a reward of NZ$80,000 for information about their whereabouts. There have been occasional sightings, including the one in October when teenagers hunting pigs saw Tom and his children in Marokopa, a small coastal community where Tom grew up. The teenagers filmed Tom leading his children through rough terrain, all wearing camouflage clothing. They spoke briefly to one of the children, asking if anyone knew they were there, and the child replied, 'only you,' before walking away. The teenagers reported that Tom had a long beard and was carrying a gun, while the children wore masks and carried backpacks. Police said this sighting was credible and launched a three-day search with helicopters, but they did not find the family. Last year, a warrant was issued for Tom’s arrest after he was suspected of being involved in a bank robbery in Te Kuiti, a small town on the North Island. Police believe he had an accomplice and warned the public not to approach him because he might be armed. They also think Tom is getting help from other people to avoid being caught. Tom’s family is deeply worried and hopes he will come home soon. They miss him and the children and want to support them. The search for Tom and his kids continues, and many people hope they will be found safe.