For nearly four years, the disappearance of New Zealand fugitive Tom Phillips and his three young children has captivated and concerned a nation. What began as a custody dispute spiraled into an elaborate, off-grid existence in the remote Waikato wilderness. Now, a crucial piece of evidence has emerged: police believe new CCTV footage shows Phillips and one of his children during a brazen break-in. This latest development reignites the urgent search, bringing the family’s long absence back into sharp focus. Authorities are appealing to the public for any information, emphasizing that the children’s welfare remains their paramount concern.
The Elusive Fugitive: A Four-Year Odyssey into the Wilderness
The perplexing saga of Tom Phillips began in December 2021. Following a custody battle, Phillips vanished from his family home in Marokopa, taking his three children: Jayda, now 12; Maverick, 10; and Ember, 9. Police believe he led them deep into the rugged King Country bush of New Zealand’s North Island. Their presumed existence has been entirely off-grid, relying on Phillips’ survival skills, raising significant concerns for the children’s well-being. This unprecedented disappearance sparked a national manhunt, with authorities and family members desperately seeking answers.
Phillips and his children were reportedly last seen in October 2024. A group of teenage pig hunters encountered them trekking through the dense bush. The teenagers filmed the encounter on their phones, offering a fleeting glimpse of the family. This sighting prompted a massive three-day land and air search, though it ultimately proved unsuccessful. Before that, Phillips was suspected of an unsuccessful attempt to break into the same Piopio store in November 2023. These sporadic alleged sightings only deepened the mystery surrounding their hidden lives.
Shocking CCTV Captures Phillips and Child During Break-in
The latest breakthrough arrived with the release of compelling nighttime CCTV footage. In the early hours of a recent Wednesday, around 2 a.m. local time, two masked individuals were filmed during a break-in at a small store in Piopio, a northern New Zealand town. Detective Senior Sergeant Andy Saunders stated that police are “confident” the individuals are Tom Phillips fugitive and one of his children. The footage shows the pair examining windows, then using a power tool to cut their way into a refrigerated container, causing sparks to fly. They then loaded “grocery items” onto a quad bike and fled the scene.
This incident marks a critical turning point in the investigation. The alleged Piopio break-in provides the most concrete evidence of Phillips’ recent activities. Police are appealing for community assistance, asking anyone who might have seen the quad bike traveling or parked between Piopio and Marokopa that morning to come forward. This public appeal is a strategic move, hoping to generate new leads and ultimately locate the family. The nature of the burglary—seeking basic supplies—has also led police to re-evaluate their theories regarding any external support Phillips might have been receiving. Detective Saunders questioned if this suggests “he’s potentially had a falling out with who’s helping him? Or is he just that brazen and confident that he’s quite happy to come out at night and commit a burglary?”
Alleged Criminal Activity: A Pattern Emerges
Beyond the recent break-in, Phillips faces a growing list of serious criminal charges. These include aggravated robbery, aggravated wounding, and unlawful possession of a firearm. Authorities connected him to a particularly alarming incident in May 2023: an armed robbery at an ANZ bank in Te Kūiti. During this event, two armed individuals demanded cash before escaping on a motorbike. Phillips is also accused of shooting at a supermarket employee in 2023. This pattern of escalating criminal behavior while on the run underscores the dangers associated with the New Zealand fugitive and heightens the urgency of his capture.
Escalating Charges and the High Stakes Search
The police have offered rewards for information on the family’s whereabouts. An earlier $47,000 NZD reward expired without being claimed. Later, a more substantial $80,000 NZD reward was announced in June 2024, but this also expired. Despite these efforts and extensive land and air searches, Phillips has successfully evaded capture for years. Law enforcement emphasizes that while criminal charges are serious, their overarching goal remains the safe return of the children. Detective Senior Sergeant Saunders stated plainly, “At the heart of this are three children who have been away from their home for four years. Their well-being is our main focus.” Police have dismissed suggestions of deploying elite military forces, prioritizing a non-confrontational approach to ensure the children’s safety.
The Human Cost: Family’s Heartbreaking Appeals
The prolonged disappearance has taken a profound emotional toll on Phillips’ wider family. His sister, Rozzi Phillips, and mother, Julia, have made public appeals through local media. In a heartfelt interview, Rozzi reiterated their love and support, urging Tom to turn himself in. “There’s a lot of love and there’s a lot of support, and we’re ready to help you walk through what you need to walk through,” she told a New Zealand news site. The children’s mother, Cat, also expressed her immense relief upon learning her children were alive and her deep concern for their well-being.
Julia, Phillips’ mother, shared her sorrow in a note to local media, stating, “Tom – I feel really sad that you thought you had to do this. Not considering how much we love you and can support you.” She conveyed the pain of seeing photos of the children and their belongings. These emotional pleas highlight the family’s longing for the children’s return and their profound desire to reconnect with them. The community’s concern also remains high, focusing on the welfare of Ember, Maverick, and Jayda.
Living Off-Grid: The Challenges and Dangers for the Children
Living for years in the rugged Waikato wilderness presents immense challenges for children. Away from formal education, medical care, and social interaction, their developmental well-being is a significant concern. Ember, for instance, suffers from asthma, a condition that requires consistent medical attention impossible to provide off-grid. Police previously revealed that the children had no contact with other people for years and had not received an education, raising alarms about their social and cognitive development.
Tom Phillips is known for his bushcraft and survival skills, which have likely enabled their prolonged evasion. However, even with such expertise, the wilderness poses constant dangers, from exposure to injuries and illness. The children’s long-term isolation also deprives them of essential experiences for growth and integration into society. Authorities are deeply concerned about these cumulative impacts. The ongoing police search NZ efforts are driven by a dual purpose: to apprehend Phillips and, more importantly, to safely bring the children back to a normal life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the latest developments in the Tom Phillips fugitive case?
The most significant recent development is the release of CCTV footage from a store in Piopio, New Zealand. Police believe this footage, captured in the early hours of a recent Wednesday in August 2025, shows Tom Phillips and one of his children breaking into the store using a power tool to steal groceries. They then fled the scene on a quad bike. This incident marks the first concrete sighting of Phillips and a child since October 2024, providing fresh leads for investigators.
What charges does Tom Phillips face, and why is the New Zealand police’s primary focus on the children?
Tom Phillips faces a range of serious criminal charges, including aggravated robbery, aggravated wounding, and unlawful possession of a firearm. These stem from incidents such as an alleged armed bank robbery in Te Kūiti in May 2023 and the shooting at a supermarket employee. Despite these charges, the New Zealand police’s primary focus remains the welfare of his three children—Jayda, Maverick, and Ember. They have been away from their home for nearly four years, and authorities prioritize their safe return and well-being above a direct confrontation, emphasizing a humanitarian approach.
What are the main concerns for the welfare of the Phillips children, and how has the family responded?
The main concerns for the children’s welfare include a severe lack of education, social interaction, and access to proper medical care, particularly for Ember, who suffers from asthma. Living off-grid for so long impacts their physical and psychological development. Tom Phillips’ family, including his sister Rozzi and mother Julia, have made emotional public appeals. They express deep love, sadness, and a willingness to support Tom if he returns, urging him to bring the children home. The children’s mother, Cat, has also voiced her profound concern for their well-being.
Conclusion
The latest CCTV footage has cast a new light on the enduring mystery of New Zealand fugitive Tom Phillips and his three missing children. After nearly four years living in the remote wilderness, this apparent break-in provides concrete evidence of their continued existence and movements. While the alleged criminal acts lead to escalating charges against Phillips, the underlying and most pressing concern for authorities and the wider community remains the safety and welfare of Jayda, Maverick, and Ember. As the search intensifies, police continue to urge the public to come forward with any information, hoping to bring this complex and heartbreaking saga to a safe resolution for the children.
