(clockwise from top left) Tom Phillips, Jayda Phillips, Ember Phillips and Maverick Callam-Phillips Photo: Supplied / NZ Police
Police have set up checkpoints around Marokopa in the King Country, as they step up efforts to find the three children of Tom Phillips.
Ember, eight, Maverick, nine, and Jayda, 10, have been missing since December 2021, when they were taken by Phillips to an unknown location - though police believe it was in Western Waikato within Marokopa or the surrounding areas.
"Phillips does not have legal custody of the children. He is sought by police and there is a warrant for his arrest," Acting Detective Inspector Andrew Saunders said on Tuesday.
Oranga Tamariki meanwhile told RNZ they were unable to respond to questions about who had legal custody of the children.
A police spokesperson said the checkpoints were there to help them engage with the community. They would not comment on the number or location of the checkpoints.
On Tuesday, police announced they were offering up to $80,000 for information which lead to the safe return of the Phillips children.
The offer, which includes considering immunity against prosecution for anyone assisting Phillips, lasts for two weeks.
Police said they had received emails, calls, and had community members engage with them since the reward announcement.
In a statement, police said the Eagle helicopter was out in the Marokopa area last night "in support of the operation".
"Results of their work in the area are being assessed alongside other information."
Police said Phillips may be armed and should not be approached. Phillips also faces charges of aggravated robbery, aggravated wounding, and unlawful possession of a firearm as a result of a criminal investigation separate to the missing persons investigation.
Police said people with information could contact the dedicated email address op.curly@police.govt.nz or call on 105 or online, by clicking 'Update Report' and referencing file number 211218/5611.