The father of the missing Marokopa family has been spotted earlier this month buying camping supplies using a large amount of cash, according to police.

Tom Phillips and his three children Jayda, Maverick and Ember were reported missing from Marokopa by family on January 18, 2022.

On Wednesday, August 2, Tom was sighted at two Bunnings stores in Waikato.

"In the early afternoon, Tom was sighted at Bunnings South on Kahikatea Drive where he purchased various equipment," says a police spokesperson.

"Later that afternoon at around 4pm, he was sighted at Bunnings in Te Rapa where he made further purchases.

"He used a large amount of cash to make these purchases and the items purchased suggest that Tom may have set up a campsite.

"These items include headlamps, batteries, seedlings, buckets and gumboots.

"Police are following all available lines of enquiry and are continuing to ask people with new information to come forward.

"Our priority is, and has always been, working to locate Tom and the children to ensure their welfare, and we have continued to follow up on information reported to us where relevant.

"We know Tom has been sighted at retail locations across the Waikato region, but we need people to stay alert and to contact Police immediately if they become suspicious.

"We also urge people not to take any action themselves – to call 111 with immediate or current information or 105 for past information that needs to be followed up.

"Please cite file number 211218/5611.

"Police have also set up a dedicated email address for members of the public to report any information they may have - op.curly@police.govt.nz."