The mother of three who disappeared with her fugitive father three years ago fears her daughter may have made a subtle cry for help when they were spotted in the New Zealand bush last week.

Tom Phillips and his children – Jayda (11), Maverick (9) and Ember (8) – have been missing since September 2021.

After briefly returning home later that month, they disappeared again in December and have been living off the grid ever since.

In a recent update, teenage pig hunters spotted the family walking on a remote coastal farm near Marokopa on October 3.

All four were dressed in camouflage clothing and carrying large backpacks while Phillips walked in front of the children.

One of the hunters remembered a brief exchange with Jayda, which the mother now interpreted as a request.

When the teens called out, Jayda responded with “Yeah…duh,” saying that only the hunters knew they were there.

“Is this a cry for help? Is this, 'Does anyone know we're here? Is anyone coming for us?'” Cat told Mata Reports in an emotional interview.

“It's like she's trying to say something without actually saying it because her dad is right there. And she worries if she says the wrong thing and phrases it incorrectly, she worries about the repercussions later.”

This sighting was the first time Cat had even seen footage of her children in nearly three years.

She said she was relieved to see her alive but extremely concerned about her condition after years of isolation.

“It's been really good, they're carrying their own equipment, that's the best news you could hope for,” she continued.

“I can’t imagine what they went through in those three years, it’s just wrong in so many ways.”

That night, police responded to the area and two helicopters, including a military helicopter with night vision goggles, were deployed.

Investigators described the sighting as triggering “a positive line of investigation.”

“Patrols began in the area on Thursday evening and a search was launched the following morning,” Detective Inspector Andrew Saunders said.

“Although nothing further of significance was found, investigators will now access the information collected to determine next steps.

“This is the first time all three children have been sighted, which is positive information and we know it will be reassuring for the children’s entire family.”

But Cat says she was frustrated by their reaction and said authorities didn't contact her until the day after the footage was released.

“The system has failed my children miserably,” she added. “You shouldn’t have to live like this. They deserve friends, parks and McDonald’s.”

Phillips is also wanted for questioning in connection with an armed robbery at a bank in Te Kuiti. CCTV shows him on a motorcycle.

Despite several unconfirmed sightings, the most recent recordings are considered the most credible lead to date.

An $80,000 reward was offered in June for information on the children's whereabouts, but it expired after eight weeks with no breakthrough.

Despite over 40 significant sightings, Cat struggles with guilt and helplessness and still hopes for her children's return. “

I just want my babies to be home,” she said.

Police focused on 'safe return'

The police are still keeping a low profile about what to do next “for operational reasons”.

“While we cannot go into detail, we would like to reassure the public that we have the resources to respond to any incoming information or reports of sightings.

“Our primary focus is on the safe return of Jayda, Maverick and Ember to their whānau (the Maori word for family) and we are doing everything we can to achieve this.”

An arrest warrant was issued for Phillips shortly after his disappearance in late 2021. He is also wanted for allegedly robbing a bank in Te Kuiti at gunpoint in May 2023.

A few months later, according to police, he was seen in disguise at a supermarket before getting into an argument with a member of the public and allegedly stealing a car.

Police believe Phillips and one of the children broke the front window of a store in November last year before stealing a bicycle.

The public has been warned not to approach him if spotted as he may be armed.