### Family Missing for Years Spotted Again: Mother’s Heartfelt Reaction
**In a twist worthy of a thriller, the mum of a family missing for almost three years has finally spoken out.**
Tom Phillips and his three children—Jayda, Maverick, and Ember—vanished from New Zealand on December 9, 2021.
This wasn’t the first time they disappeared; earlier that year, they went missing for 19 days, claiming a camping trip.
After that escapade, Phillips faced charges for wasting police resources, with a court date set for January 12.
But just weeks before that date, Phillips and his kids were gone again, sending shockwaves through the community.
He briefly returned home on February 9, assuring family the children were safe but offering no details.
Then, in August 2023, the plot thickened—Phillips was spotted stealing a Toyota Hilux in Hamilton.
Masked and sneaky, he was caught shopping, raising even more questions about his intentions.
Just a month later, he was linked to an armed bank robbery, allegedly with one of his children as an accomplice.
But the most shocking sighting came recently when pig hunters encountered the Phillips family.
### Backstory: A Family’s Turbulent Journey
Tom Phillips has always been a figure of intrigue, known for his erratic behavior.
His first disappearance in September 2021 sparked concerns, but he returned, leaving authorities puzzled.
Friends and family reported erratic behavior leading up to the disappearances, with whispers of paranoia and instability.
Some believed he was living in a delusional world, convinced he was protecting his children from perceived threats.
In the months following their first return, Phillips often brushed off questions, adding to the mystery surrounding his choices.
His life spiraled further when he attempted to evade police, raising alarms among community members.
Despite numerous sightings and leads, he seemed to slip through the cracks, fueling speculation and fear.
After his August appearance, locals worried for the children’s safety, knowing their father’s past behavior.
Each sighting raised more questions: Why was he on the run? What did he fear?
Then came the pig hunters’ encounter, bringing unexpected hope to the anxious mother, Cat.
### A Mother’s Relief
Speaking to the NZ Herald, Cat expressed her profound relief upon seeing her children were alive.
“I’m so happy that they’re all there. I’m so relieved to see all three of my babies,” she said, tears of joy and anxiety blending.
This was the first time since their disappearance that all three children had been seen together.
According to witness John McOviney, his grandchild interacted with the family, noting that Tom Phillips appeared armed.
“He said, ‘What are you doing here? Who are you? Does anybody else know you’re here?’” McOviney recounted.
It was Jayda, the eldest, who replied that only the hunters knew of their presence.
This chilling detail only deepens the mystery: Why were they hiding?
The pig hunters promptly alerted the police, sparking another search effort.
Yet, once again, the family vanished without a trace, leaving authorities and loved ones on edge.
As the story unfolds, the nation watches closely—what will happen next for the Phillips family?
Stay tuned for updates as Cat holds onto hope, praying for the safe return of her children.