Police are appealing to all New Zealanders to keep their eyes open for any sign of the three missing Marokopa children and their father Tom Phillips.
Jayda (nine), Maverick (seven), Ember (six) and their 35-year-old father disappeared for a second time in December last year, after earlier sparking a major search and rescue operation in September when they went bush.
The group emerged from the bush in south Waikato 17 days after they were reported missing.
He was charged with wasteful deployment of police personnel and resources but failed to attend his first court appearance in January.
Police said in a statement on Friday they're expanding their search.
"Despite a number of land and air searches, and regular discussions with community members who spend time in Marokopa's extensive bush area, we have not located any signs of the family," Waikato west area commander inspector Will Loughrin said.
Police are now considering the possibility they may be outside the Marokopa area.
They are urging people across the country to keep an eye out for:
- A new family group in your community - specifically a father and three school-aged children.
- A man and three school-aged children travelling inter-city on trains, buses or ferries.
- Three school-aged children in your community who don't appear to be attending local schools.
- The disappearance of petrol, diesel, food or camping supplies.
Phillips and the three children were officially reported as missing again by family members in mid-December.
Police were made aware his vehicle, a ute, was left parked on Mangatoa Road near the Mangatoa Track, in late January.
Phillips returned to a family member's home in the middle of the night to take supplies on February 9, but none of the children was sighted with him.
Since then there have been multiple reports of sightings - most in the Waikato region - but all have been followed up without success, police said.
"We are mindful the photos we have made public to date may now not accurately depict what Tom and the children look like," inspector Loughrin said.
"When Tom Phillips was last seen by family in February, he had a beard and that alone will make him look considerably different than in the photos we have circulated."
Loughrin said the children’s appearance will also have changed since they were last seen.
"They will be taller; they will have either lost baby teeth or started to get their adult teeth and will likely be wearing their hair in different styles," Loughrin said.
He warned the group might also be using different names.
"If you think you may have seen them, or know where they are, we want the opportunity to follow up that information."
Police are continuing to have regular contact with Phillips' extended family, he said.
"I want to acknowledge both the children's mother and Tom's wider family who continue to be living with extreme stress and anxiety."
"Anyone who can assist should contact police via 105 and quote file number 211218/5611."
