Who is helping the Phillips family survive?
were well, however did not disclose where they were living.’’
When Stuff returned again this week, Phillips’ mother Julia Phillips was unforthcoming.
She was singing classical music when a reporter and photographer knocked on the door.
‘‘No’’ she said, waving her arms around in a big cross motion.
Thomas Phillips’ brother, Ben, lives next door with his own family.
They could be seen peering out a kitchen window as Stuff drove up the long, gravel driveway, and they poked their heads out the front door.
‘‘No’’, his wife said.
Chief executive of Child Matters Jane Searle said it was worrying the family had not been seen for four months. ‘‘I think anyone would agree, four months in the bush is concerning.’’
Searle said it was the responsibility of government agencies to step in, but Phillips had full custody of the children which made it hard for them to take action.
Even if they were located, there were limits on what the agencies could do without a breach of a court order, she said.
Oranga Tamariki and the Children’s Commissioner refused to comment.
The children’s mother, whose name has not been released, was worried. She hasn’t seen her children since December 2, when she threw a birthday party for Maverick.
Asked if she had a message for Phillips, she said no. ‘‘He never listens. It has always been his way or no way.’’
Tramping expert and conservation writer Shaun Barnett said there was no way Phillips and his children could survive in the bush without help. ‘‘You’d have to be coming in and out.’’
Barnett has spent time in the bush near Marokopa and said finding enough water and shelter would not be difficult – the challenge was food. Carrying food and water for a 10-day tramping trip was a big ask for one person, he said, let alone for four people and for months.
‘‘If you are a good hunter, you could keep yourself on meat, but that won’t keep you healthy. You would need vitamin C, fruit, and vegetables,’’ he said.
‘‘Straight meat would be tough on the system.’’
The police also believe Phillips has helpers.
Western Waikato area commander inspector William Loughrin said officers were ‘‘frustrated by the lack of information being disclosed’’.
‘‘We believe there are people who know Tom that have vital information which will help us. We strongly urge them to share these details with us as soon as possible.’’
He said police were in ongoing contact with his family and the community in efforts to find them.