As much as anyone might have a long list of things they’d love to have for Christmas; I’m picking that most of us really just want to spend time with family and friends.

Gone are the days when a large quantity of presents was the measure of one’s devotion and love.

The slow to catch on but evolving trend now is to buy experiences rather than things. Wouldn’t you rather have a fantastic memory for your hard drive as opposed to more stuff to take to the tip and recycling stations in months to come?

One family, unable to have the luxury of having their children around this Christmas once again, are the three children missing with their father, Tom Phillips.

The real concern is for the young and impressionable Jayda, Maverick and Ember Phillips. Experts have genuine concerns for the children's physical and psychological well-being.

They’ve not not been seen since December the 9th last year. That’s when their father Tom Phillips disappeared with them for the second time.

Last week the children's extended family said they’re now offering $10,000 for information leading to their safe return. There’s a ‘Give A Little’ page if you’d like to help.

Be forewarned though if you’re thinking of making a claim on that ten grand; anyone thinking that they can mislead the police in order to keep these children hidden, is likely to be in deep trouble with the police if that kind of misinformation proves to be a deliberate distraction.

It’s quite sad that in the pretty tightknit nation of New Zealand where everybody knows somebody through somebody else; that someone who knows what’s going on has not yet come forth to help the police and the family desperate to be reconnected.

Sadder still is that in all likelihood, it’ll probably be the $10,000 reward that brings someone to the surface with the information required to end this horrible saga.

But hey; money talks and so far the silence has been deafening.

As much as anyone might have a long list of things they’d love to have for Christmas; I’m picking that most of us really just want to spend time with family and friends.
Gone are the days when a large quantity of presents was the measure of one’s devotion and love.
The slow to catch on but evolving trend now is to buy experiences rather than things. Wouldn’t you rather have a fantastic memory for your hard drive as opposed to more stuff to take to the tip and recycling stations in months to come?
One family, unable to have the luxury of having their children around this Christmas once again, are the three children missing with their father, Tom Phillips.
The real concern is for the young and impressionable Jayda, Maverick and Ember Phillips. Experts have genuine concerns for the children's physical and psychological well-being.
They’ve not not been seen since December the 9th last year. That’s when their father Tom Phillips disappeared with them for the second time.
Last week the children's extended family said they’re now offering $10,000 for information leading to their safe return. There’s a ‘Give A Little’ page if you’d like to help.
Be forewarned though if you’re thinking of making a claim on that ten grand; anyone thinking that they can mislead the police in order to keep these children hidden, is likely to be in deep trouble with the police if that kind of misinformation proves to be a deliberate distraction.
It’s quite sad that in the pretty tightknit nation of New Zealand where everybody knows somebody through somebody else; that someone who knows what’s going on has not yet come forth to help the police and the family desperate to be reconnected.
Sadder still is that in all likelihood, it’ll probably be the $10,000 reward that brings someone to the surface with the information required to end this horrible saga.
But hey; money talks and so far the silence has been deafening.

A fresh and intelligent start to your day - catch the very latest international and domestic news developments, sport, entertainment and business on Early Edition with Ryan Bridge, on Newstalk ZB.

A fresh and intelligent start to your day - catch the very latest international and domestic news developments, sport, entertainment and business on Early Edition with Ryan Bridge, on Newstalk ZB.