A family who went missing in south Waikato for nearly three weeks earlier this year has again not been seen for a week.
Authorities in September searched for 17 days for Thomas Phillips and his three children before they eventually returned home - having spent all that time in the bush.
Phillips has since been charged with causing wasteful deployment of police personnel and resources.
In responding to reports the family has again gone missing, police said initial inquiries were being made but no search had been initiated.
"Police are aware of the situation and are working with the wider Phillips family," a spokesperson said.
"We are aware Thomas and the children are not currently at the family home and will continue to monitor and regularly reassess the situation."
The spokesperson said police wouldn't be commenting further as the matter was before the family court.
After the family returned on September 30, Waikato West Area Commander Insp Will Loughrin said the family had been living in a tent in a dense bush area. Phillips was an experienced bushman and was able to look after himself, Loughrin added.
"It is extraordinary," he said of the family returning home. "To happen this way is fantastic for the family. This is a family who experienced 17 days of hell."
Before their return, Phillips and the children - aged 8, 6 and 5 - were last seen on September 11. Searches around inland and coastal areas of Marokopa and Kiritehere were eventually suspended.
