Fugitive Father Sparks Plea for Family Reunion as Search Perseveres

The family's emotional message comes amidst ongoing searches and sightings of the father and his kids in the wilderness.

The family of Tom Phillips, a father who has been on the run with his three children for nearly four years, has made a heartfelt plea for him to come back home. Phillips vanished in December 2021 with his children—Ember, 9, Maverick, 10, and Jayda, 12—after a dispute with their mother. Following a national search for the family, sightings have been reported, with locals spotting them trekking through New Zealand's bush last October.

In an open letter, Phillips' mother expressed deep sorrow, stating, "Everyday I wake up and hope that today will be the day that you all come home." His sister, Rozzi Phillips, shared her feelings with a local news outlet, voicing her desire to reunite with her brother and his children, emphasizing the family's love and support for them. Rozzi speculated that Tom had likely built a makeshift shelter in the wilderness, demonstrating his resourcefulness as a builder.

Additionally, their mother Julia conveyed her anguish, revealing in a handwritten note her sadness over Tom's decision to leave. The family's emotional outreach highlights a desperate hope for reconnection amidst their ongoing turmoil.

New Zealand Police believe that Phillips is hiding in the western Waikato region and are actively searching for him and his children. A reward of NZ$80,000 has been offered for information leading to their capture. Recently, a group of teenagers captured footage of the family in a secluded area, stating that Phillips appeared to be armed and the children were masked while helping carry their belongings. This sighting prompted a brief but unsuccessful aerial search.

With a warrant for Tom Phillips' arrest linked to a bank robbery incident, law enforcement has cautioned the public about engaging with him due to possible armed threats. Police suspect he is receiving assistance from others to evade capture, complicating efforts to locate him and ensure the safety of his children.