Police open to negotiations to find missing Tom Phillips and children

Tuesday 19 August 2025 · 4 outlets · 3 reports · updated Wed 20 Aug 2025, 1:34pm

In this story Andy Saunders

Detective Senior Sergeant Andrew Saunders says police are open to negotiating with Tom Phillips to ensure his three children are returned safely. Phillips and his children have been missing since December 2021. The lead detective suggested Phillips could use a trusted intermediary to facilitate discussions if he does not wish to speak directly to police.

How they headlined it

17h

Tue 6:32pm8:52pmWed 1:34pm

1. StuffTue 19 Aug 2025, 6:32pm

   Police call on Tom Phillips - and those helping him - to ‘negotiate’ and ‘do a deal’ (opens in new tab)

   Also on Waikato Times (opens in new tab)

2. RNZTue 19 Aug 2025, 8:52pm

   Police open to negotiations with missing Marokopa dad Tom Phillips (opens in new tab)

3. 1NewsWed 20 Aug 2025, 1:34pm

   Police on any potential negotiations with Tom Phillips (opens in new tab)