Image source, NZ Police

Phillips’ family directly appealed to him to come out of hiding last month, with his mother writing: “Everyday I wake up and hope that today will be the day that you all come home.”

“There’s a lot of love and there’s a lot of support, and we’re ready to help you walk through what you need to walk through,” his sister, Rozzi Phillips, told New Zealand news site Stuff, external in an exclusive interview.

“I miss you, and I miss being part of your life, and I really want to see you and the kids and be part of your lives again.”

She also provided Stuff with a handwritten note from their mother, Julia, which read: “Tom – I feel really sad that you thought you had to do this. Not considering how much we love you and can support you. It hurts every time I see photos of the children and of you and see some of your stuff that is still here.”

“Jayda, Maverick, Ember – I love you so much and really miss being part of your lives.”