“We are very proud of you, Mom, for speaking up. It takes courage to do this, especially from all the people who still support Tom and his continued abuse.

“No one can imagine the daily torments you experience,” the girls wrote.

“This has gone on for too long and we can only hope that with this latest sighting, all the media coverage and research efforts, we are getting closer to seeing our babies again.”

“We love you Jayda, Maverick and Ember so much and we hope you come home soon.”

Footage was shown of Phillips and the three children walking through remote farmland in the central North Island earlier this month, wearing camouflage clothing and carrying large bags after a chance encounter with teenage pig hunters .

Cat said she felt the search was “beyond police reach” and questioned why more qualified authorities were not approached for help after police deemed “credible”.

Seeing her three children alive was “heartbreaking”

Cat was emotional when she spoke to Herald to obtain proof that her three children – whom she last saw in 2021 – were alive.

She said it was “overwhelming…it was the best thing.”

“I just broke down…I can’t see their faces but I can see them walking and they’re all there, and they’re able to carry their own bags.”

After three days of searching, including the use of a military helicopter, police said “nothing else of significance” had been found and the search was called off.

“It felt like Christmas came early and I really thought they would come home this time,” Cat said.

“It’s a confirmed sighting and yet nothing has come of it.”

Cat also revealed she was the person who saw Phillips in Bunnings last year, sending a photo of the ute he was driving to police.

She appeals to those she believes are helping Phillips stop what she considers “child abuse” and tell authorities what they know.

“It couldn’t be simpler… It’s been almost three years.”

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