New Zealand Fugitive Tom Phillips Spotted on CCTV After Four Years on the Run

Published 29 August 2025

Highlights

• New Zealand police released CCTV footage believed to show fugitive Tom Phillips and one of his children during a burglary in Piopio.
• Phillips disappeared with his three children in December 2021 after losing legal custody, prompting a nationwide search.
• The footage shows the pair breaking into a store and stealing groceries, sparking questions about Phillips' current situation.
• Phillips faces multiple charges, including aggravated robbery and unlawful possession of a firearm.
• Family members have publicly pleaded for Phillips to return, emphasizing their support and concern for the children's welfare.

3. Rewritten Article

New Zealand Fugitive Tom Phillips Spotted on CCTV After Four Years on the Run

New Zealand police have released new CCTV footage that they believe shows fugitive Tom Phillips and one of his children involved in a burglary in Piopio, a small town in the North Island. The footage, captured in the early hours of Wednesday, depicts a masked man and child breaking into a convenience store and making off with groceries on a quad bike.

Phillips, who vanished with his three children in December 2021 after losing legal custody, has been the subject of a nationwide search. Detective Senior Sergeant Andy Saunders expressed confidence that the individuals in the footage are Phillips and one of his children. "We’re appealing for information from anyone who might have seen the quad bike traveling or parked between Piopio and Marokopa," Saunders stated.

The incident marks the first confirmed sighting of Phillips in a year. Previously, he and his children were spotted by pig hunters in October 2024, leading to a brief but unsuccessful search. Authorities believe Phillips has been living in the Waikato’s King Country bush, possibly receiving outside assistance to evade capture.

Phillips faces a series of legal charges, including aggravated robbery, aggravated wounding, and unlawful possession of a firearm. In May 2023, he was linked to a robbery at an ANZ bank in Te Kūiti, where armed individuals demanded cash before fleeing on a motorbike.

The children's welfare remains a primary concern for the police. "At the heart of this are three children who have been away from their home for four years," Saunders emphasized. Despite an $80,000 reward for information on the family's whereabouts, which expired in June 2024, no substantial leads have emerged.

Phillips' family has repeatedly urged him to return, highlighting their willingness to support him. His mother expressed her sadness over his actions, stating, "It hurts every time I see photos of the children and of you." The children's mother, meanwhile, expressed relief upon learning they were still alive in 2024.

4. Scenario Analysis

The release of the CCTV footage could potentially lead to new sightings or tips from the public, aiding the police in locating Tom Phillips and his children. If apprehended, Phillips will face serious legal consequences due to the multiple charges against him. The situation also raises broader questions about child custody laws and the measures in place to prevent such incidents. Experts suggest that increased public awareness and community involvement could play a crucial role in resolving this case and ensuring the children's safe return.

New Zealand police have released new CCTV footage that they believe shows fugitive Tom Phillips and one of his children involved in a burglary in Piopio, a small town in the North Island. The footage, captured in the early hours of Wednesday, depicts a masked man and child breaking into a convenience store and making off with groceries on a quad bike.

Phillips, who vanished with his three children in December 2021 after losing legal custody, has been the subject of a nationwide search. Detective Senior Sergeant Andy Saunders expressed confidence that the individuals in the footage are Phillips and one of his children. "We’re appealing for information from anyone who might have seen the quad bike traveling or parked between Piopio and Marokopa," Saunders stated.

The incident marks the first confirmed sighting of Phillips in a year. Previously, he and his children were spotted by pig hunters in October 2024, leading to a brief but unsuccessful search. Authorities believe Phillips has been living in the Waikato’s King Country bush, possibly receiving outside assistance to evade capture.

Phillips faces a series of legal charges, including aggravated robbery, aggravated wounding, and unlawful possession of a firearm. In May 2023, he was linked to a robbery at an ANZ bank in Te Kūiti, where armed individuals demanded cash before fleeing on a motorbike.

The children's welfare remains a primary concern for the police. "At the heart of this are three children who have been away from their home for four years," Saunders emphasized. Despite an $80,000 reward for information on the family's whereabouts, which expired in June 2024, no substantial leads have emerged.

Phillips' family has repeatedly urged him to return, highlighting their willingness to support him. His mother expressed her sadness over his actions, stating, "It hurts every time I see photos of the children and of you." The children's mother, meanwhile, expressed relief upon learning they were still alive in 2024.

What this might mean

The release of the CCTV footage could potentially lead to new sightings or tips from the public, aiding the police in locating Tom Phillips and his children. If apprehended, Phillips will face serious legal consequences due to the multiple charges against him. The situation also raises broader questions about child custody laws and the measures in place to prevent such incidents. Experts suggest that increased public awareness and community involvement could play a crucial role in resolving this case and ensuring the children's safe return.