The Daily Aus The NZ dad on the run with his kids, explained
Sep 8, 2025
A father went missing with his three kids for almost four years, leading to a dramatic tale of survival and evasion. The podcast details how they managed to stay hidden, including surprising sightings and the heartbreaking police confrontation that ended tragically. It also addresses the complex issues of custody battles and public perception, revealing the intense challenges faced by the family during their absence. The story unfolds with harrowing insights into the nature of family strife and the quest for resolution.
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The First 17-Day Disappearance
- Tom Phillips and his three children disappeared for 17 days in September 2021 and then walked back into the family farmhouse unharmed.
- He was later charged with wasting police resources and ordered to appear in court the following January.
Custody Loss And Second Disappearance
- In December 2021 Tom lost legal custody of his children and then disappeared again with them, missing court in January 2022.
- Family filed a missing persons report in mid-January and they remained missing for years afterward.
Pig Hunters' Sighting In 2024
- In October 2024 pig hunters filmed Tom and his children, initially thinking they were poachers, and reported the sighting.
- That sighting prompted a three-day search that found nothing despite confirming they were alive then.