A New Zealand father who disappeared into the country’s wilderness with his three children three years ago has been seen publicly with them for the first time in years.

A nationwide search for Tom Phillips has been ongoing since he led Ember, 8, Maverick, 9, and Jayda, 11, away from their family home in December 2021 after an argument with their mother.

Police believe they were hiding and camping in the North Island’s western Waikato region and issued a NZ$80,000 (£37,200) appeal for information earlier this year.

Last week’s sighting came from a group of teenage pig hunters who had been hiking through the bush and filmed the encounter on their cell phones.

New Zealand media reported that the teenagers spoke briefly to one of their children and asked if anyone knew they were there. They replied “Just you” and moved on, the father of one of the teenagers told New Zealand newspaper 1News.

The teenagers reported that Mr. Phillips was carrying a gun and had a long beard, while the children were masked and carrying their own backpacks.

New Zealand police described the sighting as “credible” and said it was “positive information” for relatives.

“We know it will be reassuring for the children’s entire family,” Det Insp Andrew Saunders said.

Although there have been several reports of sightings of Mr. Phillips, this is believed to be the first time he has been seen with all three of his children.

The footage was captured in a bush area of ​​Marokopa on October 3 when it came to the attention of police at around 7:00 p.m. local time (06:00 GMT) that day. This sparked a three-day search using police and army helicopters.

In the video you can see Tom Phillips leading his children through the rough terrain. They all wear camouflage clothing.

Speaking of which to the New Zealand Herald newspaper On Thursday, the children’s mother, Cat, expressed relief that they were still alive and that her children appeared to be well enough to carry their own bags.

She accused her ex-partner of using the children as “playthings”.

“They shouldn’t have to worry about where they’re going to sleep that night or whether they’re going to be warm,” she told the newspaper.

She also said authorities should do more to track down her ex-partner and appealed to those she believed would help her ex-husband.

Police said they believed Mr Phillips was being supported by other parties.

In June, authorities offered a cash reward for information that would lead to the children’s safe return – although the offer expired before it could be taken up.

Police said the children had had no contact with other people and received no education for the past three years.

“We believe Tom and the children are being helped and urge anyone doing this to stop, do the right thing and tell police what they know,” Det Insp Andrew Saunders said.

Last year a warrant was issued for Mr Phillips’ arrest over his alleged involvement in a bank robbery in Te Kuiti, a small North Island town.

Police said he had an accomplice in the alleged incident and warned the public not to approach him as he was likely armed.