Man Found After 4 Years on the Run with His
Missing New Zealand Children Found Safe After Four Years
Three children missing since 2021 have been found alive and well in New Zealand’s remote Waitomo region after a dramatic police search.
Years in Hiding
Tom Phillips vanished into the bush with his children—Ember, Maverick, and Jayda—in late 2021.
Despite brief sightings, they remained off-grid for years, sparking fears about their safety.
Rescue in Rugged Terrain
On September 8, 2025, police located the children two kilometers from a hidden shelter.
“To know the children are safe and now receiving care after nearly four years is an absolute relief,” said Acting Deputy Commissioner Jill Rogers.
Focus on Healing and Questions Ahead
The children’s mother and grandparents are now involved in their care.
“While they are safe, this is just the beginning of a new chapter focused entirely on their healing and future,”
Rogers added. Investigators are now looking into whether others helped the family stay hidden.
