The mother of three children who disappeared with their father in 2021 has made an emotional plea following a recent sighting of the family. In 2021, Tom Phillips and his children, Jayda (11), Maverick (9), and Ember (8), went missing from their New Zealand home after an argument with their mother, Cat.
Earlier this month, on October 3, a credible sighting of the family was reported, and Cat has now shared her thoughts on her ex-partner’s actions.
Despite a nationwide search and a police reward of $48,800 (NZ$80,000) for information, Tom and the children remained hidden until a group of teenage pig hunters spotted them. The hunters recorded a video showing Tom leading his children through the New Zealand wilderness. One of the hunters claimed to have spoken with one of the children, asking if anyone knew they were there. The child reportedly replied, “Only you,” according to New Zealand’s 1News.
Cat expressed gratitude to the group for capturing the video, saying it felt like “Christmas had come early,” but admitted that the situation “doesn’t get any easier.” She accused Tom of using the children as “pawns in this game” and not truly caring for them.
Speaking to the New Zealand Herald, Cat said she believes Tom “thinks he’s above everyone” and took the children to “teach [her] a lesson.” While on the run, Tom has allegedly committed various crimes, including theft.
“It’s unbelievable, really, who does that?” Cat said, questioning Tom’s mindset. “They’re innocent, they don’t deserve this. They shouldn’t be worrying about where they’ll sleep or if they’ll be warm.” She continued, “It’s like grieving every day—the loss of three childhoods, the loss of innocence, the loss of my babies. They deserve better.”
Authorities believe others may be helping Tom, and Cat has called on them to assist in bringing the children home, describing their situation as “abuse.” Despite her hope after the confirmed sighting, she expressed frustration that “nothing has come of it yet,” stressing that “three children are still missing with a crim!nal at large.”