It was only a matter of time until someone spotted missing Marokopa man Tom Phillips.

He's been seen this week in Te Awamutu, Te Rapa and Kawhia in Waikato - 18 months after he disappeared with his three children Jayda, Maverick and Ember.

Police are searching for a stolen bronze Toyota Hilux flat-deck ute Phillips was driving.

Waikato Mayor Jacqui Church told Mike Hosking she isn't surprised Philips has now been seen.

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