Thomas Phillips has not appeared in court today, forcing a warrant for his arrest.
Missing man Thomas Phillips. Photo: Supplied / Police
Phillips was due to appear in the Te Kūiti District Court today.
The King Country man sparked an intensive search in September after disappearing with his three children.
Phillips and his children originally went missing from the small coastal town of Marokopa.
A search failed to find them, but they turned up at the family farm 17 days later safe and well.
Phillips was charged with causing wasteful deployment of police personnel and resources.
His lawyer Garth O'Brien told the court he had not heard from Phillips since he informed him of his court date.
Judge Phillip Crayton today issued a warrant for his arrest.
Judge Phillip Crayton presides over the hearing in the Te Kūiti District Court. Photo: Pool / Stuff / Tom Lee