Since he removed Ember, 8, Maverick, 9, and Jayda, 11, from their family home in December 2021 during a fight with their mother, a nationwide hunt has been launched for Tom Phillips.
In the western Waikato region of the North Island, police suspect they have been hiding and camping. Earlier this year, they launched a NZ$80,000 (£37,200) call for information.
Teenage pig hunters who were hiking through the jungle last week reported seeing the sighting and recorded it on camera with their phones.
According to New Zealand media, the teenagers had a brief conversation.
As per the father of one of the teenagers, they had responded with “only you” and proceeded to walk.
The minors were wearing masks and carrying their own bags, but Mr. Phillips, according to the teenagers, had a lengthy beard and was carrying a revolver.
The sighting was deemed “credible” by New Zealand Police, who also stated that it was “positive information” for family members.
Det Insp Andrew Saunders stated, “We know it will be reassuring for the children’s wider family.”
Although Mr. Phillips has been claimed to have been sighted several times, this appears to be the first time he has been spotted with all three of his kids.
