A former police officer suggests that a mysterious girlfriend might be aiding a fugitive father who disappeared with his three children over three and a half years ago in New Zealand. Tom Phillips has evaded authorities with his kids, Jayda, Maverick, and Ember, in the remote Waikato region, hindering progress in locating them. The situation has sparked debate in New Zealand, with some viewing Phillips as attempting to stay with his children, while others argue that he is causing harm by isolating them from society.
Phillips’ estranged wife, Cat, is upset that the children are growing up in the wilderness, with reported sightings of the family mostly in the Waikato region near their Marokopa family farm. Speculation is mounting that Phillips must be receiving assistance to remain hidden for so long. Private investigator Chris Budge and former police detective Lance Burdett believe Phillips may be residing in a house or outbuilding with the help of a new partner.
Phillips is wanted in connection to an armed robbery, prompting Detective Senior Sergeant Andrew Saunders to call for negotiation to ensure a safe resolution. Details of the negotiation remain undisclosed, but it is likely related to the armed robbery linked to Phillips during his time in hiding. Negotiations have been sought for years, indicating a potential shift in the case’s strength, with suggestions that dropping the robbery charges could be tied to the children’s safe return.