New Zealand police have uncovered what appears to be a carefully concealed wilderness hideout used by missing British father Tom Phillips and his three children, deepening the mystery of their 20-month disappearance.
The discovery in the rugged Waikato bushland reveals disturbing evidence of how the 37-year-old and his children Jayda, then 9, Maverick, then 8, and Ember, then 7, have been evading authorities since vanishing in December 2021.
The Hidden Camp Revealed
Detectives searching the remote area found a sophisticated campsite containing:
- Multiple makeshift shelters constructed from natural materials
- Evidence of recent habitation and food preparation
- Personal items confirming the family's presence
- Supplies suggesting long-term wilderness survival
"This isn't some temporary camping trip," revealed a police source close to the investigation. "This shows planning, preparation and a determination to remain hidden from authorities."
A Mother's Agony
The children's mother, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has endured what she describes as "20 months of hell" since her children vanished. In an emotional statement, she pleaded for information about their whereabouts.
"Every day without my children is torture," she said. "I just want to know they're safe, that they're healthy, that they're being cared for properly. The not knowing is destroying me."
International Manhunt Intensifies
New Zealand authorities have launched one of the most extensive missing persons investigations in recent memory, with:
- Multiple ground searches involving specialist teams
- Aerial surveillance of remote wilderness areas
- International cooperation with UK authorities
- Public appeals for information across both countries
Detective Inspector Andrew Saunders confirmed the investigation remains active and urgent. "We have serious concerns for the welfare of these children," he stated. "They've been out of school, away from medical care, and living in conditions that are completely inappropriate for young children."
The Disappearance Timeline
The family vanished from the coastal town of Marokopa on New Zealand's North Island. Phillips, originally from Britain, had been involved in a custody dispute before taking the children and disappearing without trace.
Previous sightings have proven fruitless, and the discovery of this bush hideout represents the most significant breakthrough in the case to date.
Police are urging anyone with information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to come forward immediately.
