New Zealand renews search for father who vanished into forest with children 2 years ago

By CHARLOTTE GRAHAM-McLAY
Associated Press

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Police in New Zealand offered an 80,000 New Zealand dollar reward and immunity from prosecution on Tuesday to anyone who could help them secure the safe return of three children missing since December 2021. Their father, Tom Phillips, disappeared into the wilderness with them two years ago and has evaded the authorities since. He’s accused of an armed bank robbery committed while on the run. Police are making fresh efforts to find his children, now aged 8, 9 and 10. The years-long saga has confounded investigators and gripped New Zealand. Phillips disappeared with his children one before, prompting a high profile search.