New Zealand family appeals to fugitive dad

The Phillips family in New Zealand appeals for Tom Phillips to return with their three children after he vanished in 2021.

New Zealand family pleads with fugitive dad after four years on the run

Tom Phillips disappeared in December 2021 after taking his three children Jayda, Maverick and Ember into New Zealand's North Island bush. Police say the family were last seen near Marokopa, and a credible sighting was reported last October.

For the first time, the Phillips family has appealed directly to Tom. Rozzi Phillips, his sister, told Sky News they hope he will see the messages and return. Their mother Julia read a handwritten note that expresses love and a wish to rebuild the family. Police say the disappearance could be linked to a custody battle, and sightings have continued since 2021.

The piece shows how family pain intersects with a police investigation. It highlights how a custody dispute can linger and complicate a search, with the public drawn to every sighting and rumor.

It also raises questions about media coverage of private distress. Reporters and readers must balance compassion with caution, protecting the children while seeking accountability for the missing.

Highlights

Hope endures even as questions persist.