The family of a New Zealand father, Tom Phillips, has made a heartfelt plea for him and his three children to return home after nearly four years of living off the grid. Phillips, 39, disappeared with his children—Ember, 9; Maverick, 10; and Jayda, 12—in December 2021 amid a custody dispute. The call for his return follows sporadic sightings of the family, the latest being captured in a video last October by teenagers in the wilderness of Marokopa.
**Fugitive New Zealand Father’s Family Pleads for His Return Amid Ongoing Search**
**Fugitive New Zealand Father’s Family Pleads for His Return Amid Ongoing Search**
The family of Tom Phillips, a father who vanished with his children, appeals for his safe return as authorities continue to search for them.
For the first time since their disappearance, Phillips’ mother and sister have reached out directly to him through the media, urging him to come home and acknowledging the struggles he may be facing. “Every day I wake up and hope today will be the day you all come home,” his mother Julia said in a handwritten note. Similarly, his sister, Rozzi, expressed her longing to reconnect, emphasizing the love and support available for him and the children.
Authorities believe Phillips, who lost custody of his kids, has been living in the bush in the North Island's Waikato region, potentially building a makeshift shelter. Despite extensive searches and a NZ$80,000 reward for information regarding their whereabouts, the family remains elusive. Last year, Phillips was wanted for his alleged involvement in a bank robbery, raising concerns about his potential for armed behavior.
Witnesses from several encounters have reported Phillips carrying a gun and claiming that he and the children were self-sufficient in the wilderness. Police have categorized recent sightings as credible but caution against direct engagement with Phillips as he may be armed and is purportedly receiving assistance from accomplices.
As the search continues, Phillips' family remains hopeful for his safe return, stressing their willingness to support him and the children through their current challenges.
Authorities believe Phillips, who lost custody of his kids, has been living in the bush in the North Island's Waikato region, potentially building a makeshift shelter. Despite extensive searches and a NZ$80,000 reward for information regarding their whereabouts, the family remains elusive. Last year, Phillips was wanted for his alleged involvement in a bank robbery, raising concerns about his potential for armed behavior.
Witnesses from several encounters have reported Phillips carrying a gun and claiming that he and the children were self-sufficient in the wilderness. Police have categorized recent sightings as credible but caution against direct engagement with Phillips as he may be armed and is purportedly receiving assistance from accomplices.
As the search continues, Phillips' family remains hopeful for his safe return, stressing their willingness to support him and the children through their current challenges.
