Missing fugitive Tom Phillips may have a connection near where he's possibly been sighted

Phillips has been missing near Marokopa with his three children - Jayda, Maverick, and Ember - for more than three years.

There've been possible sightings over the years, and a member of the public has told police they may have seen the four south of Waikato's Te Kuiti.

They've reported seeing a man and three others - dressed in camouflage clothing .

A source tells our newsroom while working a shepherd, Phillips lived with a former partner near Tikitiki and Mapara North roads.