Nearly four years have passed since Cat last saw her three children who disappeared along with their father, Tom Phillips, into the wild forests of New Zealand. The children—Jayda, age 12, Maverick, 10, and Ember, 9—vanished in 2021 after a disagreement between Tom and Cat at their home. Since then, a nationwide search has been ongoing.
The last confirmed public sighting of Tom and the children was in early October last year, when a group of teenagers reported seeing them hiking through the bush and even recorded a video. The mother expressed gratitude to those teens, saying it felt like a Christmas miracle. Yet, she also accused her ex-partner of using the children as pawns to “teach her a lesson.”
In a rare move, Tom’s family has now reached out directly to him. His mother, Julia, wrote a heartfelt note saying she wakes each day hoping for their safe return. She expressed sadness that Tom felt forced into this choice, unaware of the love and support waiting for him and the children. She also shared how much she misses the children and longs to be part of their lives.
Tom’s sister Rozzi spoke to New Zealand media, expressing her longing to reconnect with her brother and his children. She believes Tom, a skilled builder, may have constructed some form of shelter for them in the bush.
Authorities suspect Tom fled with the kids after losing a custody battle and has been living rough in the Waikato region. An $80,000 reward is still offered for information about their whereabouts.
Teenagers who spotted the family near Marokopa last year described Tom as bearded and armed, with masked children carrying packs. They spoke briefly to one child, who whispered, “Only you,” when asked if anyone knew they were there.
Police have issued a warrant for Tom’s arrest related to a bank robbery in Te Kuiti, believing he had help. The public is warned not to approach him, as he may be armed. Authorities suspect others may be assisting him in avoiding capture.
This ongoing story remains a tragic reminder of a family torn apart and a mother’s enduring hope for reunion.
