New Zealand police have released fresh CCTV footage believed to show a fugitive who disappeared with his three children more than three years ago.

The night-time footage shows two people in full-body clothing - who police are confident is Tom Phillips and one of his children - apparently breaking into a store before driving away on a quad bike.

Detective Senior Sergeant Andy Saunders told a press conference on Friday that the pair had made off with some grocery items.

Mr Phillips disappeared into the wilderness with his three children in December 2021. Police believe he took the kids after losing legal custody of them.

Since then, a national search has been underway for Mr Phillips and his children: Ember, Maverick, and Jayda.

Police released the latest footage in hopes that the community would report sightings of them. The apparent break-in occurred on Wednesday around 02:00 local time (Tuesday 14:00 GMT) in Piopio, a small town in northern New Zealand. Police said Mr Phillips was believed to have unsuccessfully targeted the same store in November 2023.

At the heart of this are three children who have been away from their home for four years. Their wellbeing is our main focus, Detective Senior Sergeant Andy Saunders said in the police statement.

Mr Phillips faces a range of charges including aggravated robbery, aggravated wounding, and illegally possessing a firearm, police said.

Authorities previously suggested that Mr Phillips may have received assistance from others, but the recent burglary has led detectives to reconsider the situation, examining whether it indicates possible tension with any accomplices.

Last October, Mr Phillips and his three children were publicly spotted for the first time since vanishing when a group of teenagers filmed their encounter while trekking.

Police have reported that the children had not been in contact with other people for years and had not received an education.

Authorities offered a cash reward for information leading to the safe return of the children, but the offer expired before being claimed.

Mr Phillips's family has publicly pleaded for him to return home, expressing their love and concern for his wellbeing.