A private investigator who previously worked on the disappearance of Marokopa man Tom Philips and his children says it's a relief the police are finally taking the case seriously and treating it as a criminal matter.
A warrant has been issued for Philips arrest on charges related to an aggravated bank robbery in Te Kuiti bank in May.
He was allegedly with a female, both had their faces covered and were armed according to police.
They made their get away on a black farm style bike.
Tom Philips has been AWOL with his three children for about eighteen months.
Private investigator Chris Budge speaks to Lisa Owen.