(clockwise from top left) Tom Phillips, Jayda Phillips, Ember Phillips and Maverick Callam-Phillips Photo: Supplied / NZ Police
Members of the public set up a roadblock at the Kawhia Lookout on State Highway 31 on Wednesday night in an attempt to catch wanted man Tom Phillips.
Mr Phillips disappeared with his three children; Jayda, Maverick, and Ember, in December 2021.
On Wednesday, he was sighted three times around the Waikato region, the first such sightings in more than 18 months.
Locals say they recognised the stolen Toyota Hilux ute Mr Phillips was driving near the town of Pirongia, and pursued the vehicle in an attempt to retrieve it.
They organised a road block, but it was unsuccessful, with Mr Phillips turning off into a driveway near Kawhia, damaging a farm gate, and disappearing again.
Private investigator Chris Budge has been looking into the disappearance since last year.
He spoke to Corin Dann.
