Star Metro - NZ police say CCTV shows father on the run for four years

Tom Phillips absconded with his three children in December 2021 after a row with his former partner.

He has eluded capture ever since, and police say they think he has been hiding out in the rolling hill country of the North Island's Waikato region.

CCTV images released by the police showed two people with flashlights on their heads -- one clad in dark clothes and a shorter person in camouflage -- outside a store.

Their faces are covered.

"We believe the pair in this footage are Tom and one of his children," Detective Senior Sergeant Andy Saunders told a news conference.

"They were in the area for 13 minutes, having travelled in and out on a quad bike," he said.

Police said the pair appeared to use a power tool to break into a refrigerated container before making off with groceries on the quad bike.

The images, captured on Wednesday, are believed to be the first of Phillips since October 2024 when pig hunters took video that appeared to show him with the children.

He was spotted several times in 2023.

Since fleeing, police suspect Phillips of committing several crimes.

He has been charged with aggravated robbery, aggravated wounding and unlawful possession of a firearm.

The case has captivated much of the country, particularly in the Waikato area and the town of Marokopa where Phillips is suspected of hiding.

Police believe he has had help in avoiding the authorities.

"At the heart of this are three children who have been away from their home for four years," Saunders said.

"Their well-being is our main focus."

The children -- Jayda, Maverick and Ember -- now aged 9, 10 and 12, have not been to school since their father went on the run.

Police have rejected calls to use more forceful tactics for fear of the impact on the children.

"This will take as long as it takes," Saunders said.

"Our focus is bringing those kids out safely. We're not going to get into a confrontation situation."

S.Belanger--SMC