Tom Phillips and his children Jayda, Maverick and Ember. Photo: Supplied / NZ Police
Police say they are open to negotiations with fugitive Tom Phillips to bring the father and his three children out of hiding after nearly four years at large.
In Paddy Gower Has Issues detective senior sergeant Andrew Saunders said police were willing to speak with anyone who could be helping the family "to get them out of there safely".
Phillips and his children Jayda, 10, Maverick, 8, and Ember, 7 have been missing since their father took them from Marokopa to an unknown location in December 2021.
Saunders said they were open to direct contact with people assisting Phillips but could also work through an intermediary if that would be necessary to bring people forward.
"Everything can be worked through but he's got to have some end game. It's been long enough now and it's just time to get those children out and let them get on with their lives.
"Tom can deal with what ever he needs to deal with and then continue," Saunders said.
Phillips and one of the children were believed to have been spotted on CCTV with a stolen quad bike. Photo: Supplied / NZ Police
In September 2023 a warrant was issued for Phillips' arrest after he was linked to a bank robbery in Te Kuiti.
In May that year two people, both armed, entered a bank on Rora Street, Te Kuiti and demanded cash, fleeing the scene on a black, farm-style motorbike.
Phillips was charged with aggravated robbery, aggravated wounding and unlawfully possessing a firearm.
Police still believe the children are in the King Country, within Marokopa or the surrounding areas.
Saunders said the environment Phillips was likely to be hidden in was "incredibly challenging".
"It's not just a simple case of sending plenty of people in the bush to look for him. We're very measured about any investigation we conduct in that area," Saunders said.
The Phillips children are still believed to be within Marokopa or surrounding areas. Photo: RNZ / Marika Khabazi
He said he hoped pleas from Phillips' family and the length of time that had passed could help bring about the change that would bring Phillips out of hiding.
"I'd like to think they'll finally say 'enough's enough' and we work towards a safe solution.
"We want this to end safely. We're willing to negotiate with anyone that actually is helping Tom and in communication with him," Saunders said.
Family plea for safe return of children
In a letter - released to Paddy Gower - Phillips' mother Julia said she woke up every day hoping it would be the day her grandchildren came home.
In it, she addressed her son directly.
"Tom - I feel really sad that you thought you had to do this. Not considering how much we love you and can support you.
"It hurts every time I see photos of the children and of you and see some of your stuff that is still here. Thinking what could have been if you had not gone away," she wrote.
Julia Phillips also addressed the children.
"Jayda, Maverick, Ember - I love you so much and really miss being part of your lives. Every day I wake up and hope that today will be the day that you will come home."
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