Photo: Supplied / Police
The stolen Toyota hilux ute being used by Tom Phillips has been found following a tip-off from a member of the public, police say.
Phillips has been missing with his three children, Jayda, Maverick and Ember, since December 2021.
In a statement, police said they "deployed following information received around 11am today from a member of the public, who saw the Toyota Hilux just off Marokopa Road in Te Anga.
"The Police Eagle helicopter was also utilised. At this time neither Tom nor the children have been located."
Police also thanked the public for support and help, but asked that those with information continue to come forward.
Yesterday, police made appeals for sightings of the bronze 2003 Toyota Hilux flat-deck ute after multiple sightings of Phillips driving it on Wednesday.
Phillips escaped multiple pursuers on the road to Kāwhia in the vehicle.