Authorities in New Zealand have ramped up their search for Tom Phillips and his three children, who have been missing since 2021. The fugitive father was recently spotted in the rugged terrain near Marokopa, reigniting efforts to locate him and his children, Jayda, Maverick, and Ember. The sighting, which occurred on October 3, 2024, was reported by pig hunters who encountered the family in the dense bush. The children were seen carrying backpacks and dressed in wet-weather gear as they moved through the wilderness, prompting a renewed sense of urgency among authorities.
Phillips, originally from Marokopa, disappeared with his children in December 2021 after failing to appear in court to face charges of wasting police resources. The charges stemmed from an earlier disappearance in September 2021, when Phillips and the children were thought to be camping. After briefly reappearing in late 2021, the family vanished again, sparking a nationwide manhunt that has persisted for nearly three years.
New Zealand dad & experienced outdoorsman Tom Phillips disappeared with his 3 children in December 2021, they've just been spotted for the first time since. pic.twitter.com/f6mdibrNSp
— Billy Bragg (@Serena_Partrick) October 9, 2024
The most recent sighting marks the first time since their disappearance that all three children have been seen together. Investigators, led by Detective Inspector Andrew Saunders, believe Phillips has been living off the grid, aided by an intricate knowledge of the surrounding terrain and potentially receiving help from locals. Despite deploying helicopters and conducting a thorough three-day search in response to the tip, police have yet to locate the family.
This case has captivated New Zealand, with Phillips' evasiveness frustrating law enforcement. An $80,000 reward was offered earlier in 2023 for information leading to their safe return, but the reward expired without a breakthrough.
Wonderfully ambiguous comment from the search expert guy: "I don't think they've gone too far" https://t.co/DXpeazW7vN
— michael fletcher (@fletchermj) October 9, 2024
The fugitive father has been seen intermittently over the years, including a sighting in August 2023, when he was spotted driving a stolen Toyota Hilux in the Kawhia area, approximately an hour from Marokopa. Despite multiple sightings, Phillips has managed to elude capture, often retreating into the dense bush before authorities can arrive.
Phillips’ former partner and the mother of the children, Cat, has repeatedly appealed to the public for help in finding them. In a heartfelt video message earlier this year, she pleaded for their safe return, stating that the children do not deserve the life they are currently living. Her emotional appeals have underscored the urgency of the situation, but they have yet to yield the leads needed to bring the children home.
This latest sighting has raised hopes within the community and among investigators, but it also highlights the challenges faced by authorities. The area where Phillips and the children are believed to be hiding is remote and difficult to navigate, offering ample cover for a fugitive familiar with the landscape. Private investigators involved in the search have also suggested that Phillips could be receiving outside help, further complicating efforts to track him down.
Despite the continued manhunt, there are concerns for the children’s welfare. The isolated lifestyle Phillips is leading could have significant implications for their education, health, and well-being. Officials remain focused on safely recovering the children, with Detective Saunders urging anyone with information, no matter how small, to come forward. For now, the Phillips family remains at large, with the hunt for them intensifying once again.
