Editorial: Relief as Tom Phillips brings kids back from the bush

Thomas Phillipsand his three children, Jayda, Maverick and Ember. Photos / Belinda Feek Supplied

EDITORIAL

Too often, an episode such as Thomas Phillips' disappearance with his three children turns out so tragically different.

How many times have we heard distraught families say they would do anything to have their missing ones back? This time, that wish was fulfilled, to the understandable relief of the family and the astonishment of the country.

We had watched and waited for the outcome, many fearing the worst. Some who knew Phillips had said he was experienced in the outdoors but could not explain his disappearance. The remote community rallied admirably with authorities in an exhausting search for the family.

On Thursday, Phillips simply walked out of the rugged and dense bush, east of Marokopa in coastal Waikato, 17 days after vanishing with Jayda Jin, 8, Maverick, 6, and Ember, 5.

Of course, there are many questions. Why did he not tell anyone in his family of his intentions? Why abandon his vehicle below the tideline? How did they manage to sustain themselves for so long? The family says Thomas chose a "safe place" to clear his head, but why take the children with him?

Another question is, can the incredible community effort which rose up and searched tirelessly for the four get their arms around these ones who, almost miraculously, came back?

Some questions may be answered in the goodness of time but the biggest of them all has been answered. Are they okay? Yes, they are, but it is clear this man and this family need support.

That, and Thomas Phillips is quite proficient in the bush.