The family of Tom Phillips, a father on the run with his three children in New Zealand, has made a poignant appeal for him to return home. Phillips vanished into the wilderness with Ember (9), Maverick (10), and Jayda (12) in December 2021 following a disagreement with their mother. The police have been searching for them ever since.
Recently, the family took the brave step of directly reaching out to Phillips, with his mother, Julia, expressing her sadness and love in a handwritten note. “Every day I wake up and hope that today will be the day you all come home,” she wrote, emphasizing the support available to him. His sister, Rozzi Phillips, underscored her desire to reconnect with her brother and his children.
The group has been spotted multiple times since their disappearance, including a recent encounter filmed by teenagers, where Tom was seen leading his children through rugged landscapes. Reports say they were dressed in camouflage and appeared to be living off the grid in the western Waikato region.
Despite a reward by New Zealand police for information on their whereabouts, Phillips remains elusive. He is wanted for suspected involvement in a bank robbery, raising concerns for public safety. Authorities continue to believe he’s receiving help from others as he evades capture, leaving his family hoping and waiting for a reunion.
