The mother of three children who vanished with their fugitive father three years ago fears her daughter may have issued a subtle cry for help when they were spotted in New Zealand bushland last week.
Tom Phillips and his children — Jayda, 11, Maverick, 9, and Ember, 8 — have been missing since September 2021.
After briefly returning home later that month, they disappeared again in December and have been living off the grid ever since.
In a recent update, teenage pig hunters spotted the family walking on a remote coastal farm near Marokopa on October 3.
All four were dressed in camouflage, carrying large backpacks, with Phillips walking ahead of the children.
One of the hunters recalled a brief exchange with Jayda, which the mother has now interpreted as a plea.
When the teens called out, Jayda responded with “Yeah … duh” and said that only the hunters knew they were there.
“Is that a cry for help? Is that ‘Does anybody know that we’re here? Is anyone coming for us?‘” Cat told Mata Reports in an emotional interview.
“It’s like she’s trying to say something without actually saying it because her father is right there. And she’s worried if she says the wrong thing and words it the wrong way, she’s worried about later repercussions.”
This sighting marked the first time Cat had seen any footage of her children in nearly three years.
She said she was relieved at seeing them alive but said she was extremely concerned about their condition after years of isolation.
“It was really good, they’re carrying their own gear, it’s the best news that anybody could hope for,” she continued.
“I can’t imagine what they’ve endured in these three years, it’s just wrong on so many levels.”
Police descended on the area that night and two helicopters, including a military chopper equipped with night vision, were deployed.
The sighting has been described by investigators as sparking “a positive line of inquiry”.
“Patrols began in the area on Thursday night and a search was launched the following morning,” Detective Inspector Andrew Saunders said.
“While nothing further of significance was located, investigators will now access information gathered to determine any next steps.
“This is the first time all three of the children have been sighted, which is positive information, and we know it will be reassuring for the children’s wider family.”
But Cat says she was frustrated by their response, saying authorities only contacted her the day after the footage was reported.
“The system has failed my children miserably,” she added. “They shouldn’t have to live like this. They deserve friends, parks, and McDonald’s.”
Phillips is also wanted for questioning in connection with an armed robbery of a bank in Te Kuiti, with CCTV showing him riding a motorbike.
Despite several unverified sightings, the recent footage is considered the most credible lead to date.
In June, an $80,000 reward was offered for information leading to the children’s whereabouts, but it expired after eight weeks with no breakthrough.
Despite over 40 significant sightings, Cat is left grappling with feelings of guilt and helplessness, still hoping for the return of her children. “
I just want my babies home,” she said.
Police focused on ‘safe return’
Police are remaining tight-lipped about what their next steps are “for operational reasons”.
“While we cannot go into detail, we want to reassure the public that we have the resources in place to respond to any information or reports of sightings that come in.
“Our focus is very much on the safe return of Jayda, Maverick and Ember to their whānau [the Maori word for family] and we are doing all that we can to make that happen.”
An arrest warrant was issued for Phillips shortly after he disappeared in late 2021. He is also wanted for allegedly robbing a bank in Te Kuiti at gunpoint in May 2023.
A few months after that, police say he was spotted in a supermarket wearing a disguise, before getting into a fight with a member of the public and allegedly stealing a car.
In November last year, police believe Phillips and one of the children smashed the front window of a store before stealing a bicycle.
Members of the public have been warned not to approach him if spotted, as he may be armed.